Scientists Develop Anti-Appetite Gel

Scientists at Birmingham University’s school of chemical engineering have developed an aqueous solution that gels into a solid structure in the stomach and helps curb appetite.

The scientists have come up with a hydrocolloid, a substance that forms itself into a gel soon after contact with the stomach’s acidic environment.

The researchers used naturally occurring polymers that are found in a range of foods such as starch in bread.

The scientists, who are involved in a four-year project to help those who want to cut back on snacking, are also working on the gel’s slow energy releasing process.