An experimental injection may help reduce belly fat. The drug, called CBL-514, cut visceral fat by 12 percent in small trials.

The data was presented at the EASD meeting in Milan on October 1. The drug works by triggering fat cell death.

Unlike weight-loss drugs that curb hunger, CBL-514 targets fat cells directly. It is injected into fatty areas.

Visceral fat wraps around organs. It raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease more than fat under the skin.

The trials were small and early-stage. Larger studies are needed to confirm safety and effect.

Side effects so far appear mild. Most patients reported soreness at the injection site.

Doctors caution against hype. The drug is years away from approval if it succeeds in bigger trials.

The results come from early-stage work. Bigger trials must confirm the effect. Regulators will watch safety closely.

Visceral fat is linked to heart disease. Even small reductions can improve metabolic health, experts say.