Okay, chewing the fat sounds... gross. But at least we can call this a knife-less alternative. The Guardian (UK) reports that British scientists are looking to natural hormone-based treatments to curb the body's appetite for pounds. While the most obvious option to deliver the appetite-killer is via injection, other options being looked at include nasal sprays... and chewing gum.

Tests on obese people using pancreatic polypeptide (PP) have shown that the hormone has the potential to curb the hunger pains. Because it is a hormone naturally produced by the body, researchers think there will be little, if any, side effects from its usage - as opposed to drugs which can have somewhat toxic effects. And it sure beats going under the knife to trim off a few inches.

To further develop the idea, Professor Steve Bloom of Imperial College has been awarded £ 2.3 million British by the Wellcome Trust. That's a lot of money to chew over for quite a bit of time, though it's meant to advance the research towards a viable treatment for England's obese. Who knows? This may be one gum that more than 4 out of 5 dentists recommend.