The Anti-Fat Pill and the Bushmen was
broadcast on BBC Two on Sunday, June 1, 2003 at 1915 BST.
A rare desert cactus, the
Hoodia,
contains a never before discovered molecule that may hold the answer
to one of the world's greatest health problems, obesity and
over-eating.
Scientists have isolated an appetite
suppressant in the flesh of the plant that is powerful enough to
stop people eating all day.
But who holds the rights to this
information?
The San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert have
known of its powers for decades.
Correspondent reveals how, thanks to a rare
spirit of co-operation between first world and third, one of the
poorest tribes on earth stand a good chance of becoming overnight
millionaires, if the drug passes trials
