New Pill May Be 'Magic Bullet' Appetite Suppressant

British scientists believe they may be on their way to developing a pill that could turn off your appetite and help dieters lose weight.

The London Telegraph reports the pill would use a molecule from fiber found in foods like vegetables that helps people feel full.

"The major challenge is to develop an approach that will deliver the amount of acetate needed to suppress appetite but in a form that is acceptable and safe for humans," Professor Gary Frost, with Imperial College, said.

"Our research has shown the release of acetate is central to how fiber suppresses our appetite and this could help scientists tackle overeating," he added. "Developing these approaches will be difficult but it is a good challenge to have and we are looking forward to researching possible ways of using acetate to address health issues around weight gain."

Scientists are hoping their research will encourage an increase in the consumption of fruit and vegetables. But they also believe it will pave the way for new progressive drugs to help fight obesity.