Scientists in Switzerland are developing the pioneering technology and believe it could be available worldwide within five to 10 years.
The coin-sized chip would be inserted under the skin of a slimmer’s arm where it would constantly check for fat in the blood and release a hunger-sating compound when enough was consumed.
Early tests conducted on mice found the chip led to obese animals eating less food and losing large amounts of weight. Once a healthy weight was attained, the chip stopped releasing the hunger-suppressing hormone allowing the mouse to function as normal.
Subject to funding, the first human tests could take place in around three years.
The device’s inventor Professor Martin Fussenegger told the journal Nature Communications the chip could be adapted to tackle a number of conditions and illnesses.
He said the chip could provide an alternative to expensive and invasive weight loss surgery with no major side-effects.
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