Washington (SmartAboutHealth) - Scientists have found a chemical in the body which may be able to help curb the appetite of people who are obese.

Researchers found a fatty substance in the gut of the body that controls the appetites of people.

The study was led by Gerald Shuman of Yale University and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and found that the chemical signals the brain to stop eating at certain points.

It was found to be most active when a high fat diet food was consumed, and less active when protein or carbohydrates were taken in.

The chemical is known as NAPE, and could be used to help regulated how much food the body takes in.

Researchers were able to test out the chemical and change it to stop mice from eating.

By injecting it into them, it reduced their appetite a great deal, and may be a tool to fight obesity.

The study was published in the journal Cell.