Following on from a remarkable study in mice, scientists have now confirmed that silencing a certain protein in muscle tissue leads to energy-deprived human cells seeking out fat for fuel, while blocking the body’s ability to store extra fat cells.

MTCH2, which has been cutely dubbed “Mitch,” even ramped up muscle function and performance – described by the scientists as increased athletic ability – delivering that elusive outcome of diet-free, gym-free fat loss and improved health and fitness.