If you find yourself irresistibly drawn to the vending machine after daydreaming about that bar of chocolate, you may soon be able to pop a pill that’ll make your junk food craving disappear – the only downside is it could contain lizard spit.
A team of researchers from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg discovered that reptile saliva from the Gila monster lizard could help combat food cravings in humans, after testing its power during a series of taste tests on rats.
Scientists created a drug called Exenatide, which contains a natural compound called exendin-4 that is found in the saliva of the scaly Gila lizard.
The lab rats showed a reduction in food cravings after being given the pill, which could be due to the exendin-4 in saliva affecting the reward and motivation regions of the brain, says assistant professor Karolina Skibicka.
It's also believed that it is able to control blood sugar levels, too.
"This is both unknown and quite unexpected effect," professor Skibicka said in statement. “Our decision to eat is linked to the same mechanisms in the brain which control addictive behaviours.”
Researchers are hopeful that this drug could help treat those with eating disorders, type 2 diabetes and even alcohol cravings.
"It is the same brain regions which are involved in food cravings and alcohol cravings, so it would be very interesting to test whether exendin-4 also reduces the cravings for alcohol," adds professor Skibicka.
Doreen Virtue, author of Constant Craving added that this pill could help keep people on track with their diet.
"Overwhelming food cravings are the culprit behind every broken diet and dietary-related disease," Virtue told HuffPost Lifestyle.
If you don't fancy popping a lizard saliva pill, find out other ways you can battle the food cravings...
How To Curb Your Junk Food Cravings
How To Beat Your Inner Glutton(01 of07)
Open Image ModalStave Off Chocolate Pangs With...(02 of07)
Open Image Modal"Ginger ale and soy milk are high in tyramine, which can help relieve chocolate cravings. Pekoe tea is high in chocolate's other stimulating ingredient. theobromine." (credit:Getty Images)
Eat A Satifying Sugar-Alternative(03 of07)
Open Image Modal"One reason we shun fruit during our sweet cravings is that fruit seems like a deprivation alternative. We've got to dress fruit up! Put a little flavoured, fat-free yoghurt on top. Puree the fruit with an ice cube and some ginger ale. Microwave sliced apple for two minutes at high temperature with a little bit of cinnamon and you've got a quick, low calorie apple-pie type treat." (credit:Getty Images)
Understand The Reasons Behind Your Cravings(04 of07)
Open Image Modal"If, after analysing your cravings, you discover any anger, frustration or stress, ask yourself how you might take even one step toward alleviating the source of these emotions. Is there someone you can talk to, or some changes that you can make in your life? If you reduce the source of your uncomfortable emotions, you won't need to crave sweet things anymore." (credit:Getty Images)
Beware Of 'All Or Nothing' Thinking(05 of07)
Open Image ModalIf we tell our bodies that this chocolate bar or hamburger will be our last treat ever, we're more likely to binge."It's like we're seeing a beloved person for the last time, so of course we want to spend as much time as possible with that object of affection."The key is eat all treats in moderation and if the craving get too much, seek healthier alternatives. (credit:Getty Images)
Fight Off Salty Cravings(06 of07)
Open Image Modal"Crunch on crisp vegetables dipped in low calorie, fat-free salad dressing. Instead of potato chips and french fries, go for carrot and celery sticks. Broccoli and cauliflower florets are also tasty replacements. They may not seem as appealing as the fatty versions, but the crunch and flavour will soothe your craving." (credit:Getty Images)
Treat Yourself With Non-Food Rewards(07 of07)
Open Image Modal"Sweet treats usually equal reward. We all need pats on the back and kudos for hard work. But instead of stopping at the cookie shop or take-out, why not treat yourself to a new book, item of clothing or shoes? This will feel just as satisfying and is much healthier than a fat-laden treat." (credit:Getty Images)
Want to see the Gila monster lizard up close? Watch this...