Obesity has risen dramatically since the early 1990s. Due to inactive lifestyle and faulty eating habits, both obesity and type-2 diabetes are increasing in epidemic proportions. A recent study indicated that common allergy and asthma drugs can be useful in controlling obesity and diabetes.

Earlier studies have already linked obesity and type-2 diabetes to a dysfunctional immune system. Studies have also proven a link between obesity and diabetes. Together these conditions multiply the risk of various diseases.

A research team led by Guo-Ping Shi at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in the United States studied the inflammatory immune cells called mast cells, which facilitate healing in wounded tissue.

When the mast cells build up to levels far beyond the body needs, they become unstable and eventually result in chronic inflammation that causes asthma and certain allergies.

The researchers used animal models to study the effect of two antihistamines on fat and diabetic mice. The mice were deliberately made obese by over-feeding.

The research team found that mice given either cromolyn or Zaditor showed dramatic improvements, as compared to mice fed on healthy diet. The mice initially given drug then switched to healthy diet demonstrated nearly 100 percent recovery in all areas.