It may seem like a marketer's dream, but it appears Australian scientists may have discovered how to help people lose weight while still eating whatever they like!

Researchers in Melbourne found that by manipulating fat cells in mice they were able to speed up the animals' metabolisms.

They found that when a particular enzyme, known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), was removed, mice were able to eat the same amount as other mice but burn more calories and therefore gain less weight.

Animals without the enzyme were on average 20 percent lighter than normal mice and had 50 to 60 percent less body fat

The research, conducted at the Howard Florey Institute, Victoria University, La Trobe University, Deakin University, the Baker Institute and the University of Melbourne, was yet to pinpoint why the genetic manipulation led to weight loss.

"Because we deleted the gene, the gene is gone from the whole body, that means that it is gone from all tissues including the brain," he said.

No its not available as a supplement, so keep your heard earned cash in your pocket for now.