Scientists develop diet in a pill

Ever wished you could wash down that pizza and beer with a pill to make it vanish from your waistline? The prospect may be only a few years away, say Australian scientists.

St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation have identified and unlocked an enzyme that turns off the synthesis of fat and cholesterol.

"This enzyme is activated during exercise and it accelerates your metabolism to make up for the energy deficit in your muscle that's been created by exercise," research fellow at St Vincent's Bruce Kemp said.