University of California researchers find compound TOFA aids fat loss

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have identified a potential new approach to weight loss using an experimental compound called 5-tetradecyloxy-2-furoic acid (TOFA). Unlike current GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, which primarily work by suppressing appetite and reducing calorie intake, TOFA appears to increase energy expenditure.

In studies published in Science Advances involving obese mice, the administration of TOFA led to an average body weight loss of approximately 18 percent over four weeks. Notably, this weight loss occurred without a reduction in food intake or an increase in physical activity. The compound works through a dual mechanism: it inhibits the production of new fat while simultaneously stimulating the burning of existing fat within cells. This process allowed the mice to lose fat reserves while largely preserving muscle mass.

Additional metabolic benefits observed in the animal trials included improved blood sugar and insulin levels, as well as reduced fat accumulation in the liver. Researchers also found that combining low doses of TOFA with GLP-1-based drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide resulted in even greater weight loss and improved metabolic effects. However, researchers emphasize that these results are currently limited to animal models, and human testing is required to determine the safety, effectiveness, and appropriate dosage for people.