Scientists Discover "Fidget" Gene Tied to Obesity

According to American and German scientists, people who have a fidget code in their genetic code are at a reduced risk for obesity. Mice with the gene were in excellent fitness and athletic while those mice without the gene was lazy. This is the second time in under a month that scientists have discovered a gene related to obesity. In Britain, researchers have discovered a gene directly tied to obesity. They have dubbed it the fat gene.

The research study appears in the journal Cell Metabolism. According to researchers, both mice and humans have the same genetic switch that controls fidgeting behavior. The researchers believe that people who fidget get important exercise without knowing it because of their fidgety movements. All movements use up energy so the researchers believe that the fidgety movements use up enough energy to significantly impact the balance of energy in the body. The research also indicates that fidgety people are also better protected against diet induced obesity. Researchers believe that this gene is tied to our appetite and our urge to get our next meal.

Diet and exercise are still key to preventing obesity according to researchers. Environmental factors are still a possible influence on the study. This study is still good news for those of us who can't stay still. People who fidget often have to have a pencil in their hand to twirl and often move their feet or swing their legs under their desk at work. All of those actions burn calories that can help compensate for consuming too many calories.

The researchers believe that the full genetic picture of obesity is not yet discovered. Several genes have been discovered that are tied to weight loss. Most of these discoveries are originally found in mice and then research into the similarities of human genetics and mice genetics yields these genetic findings. Some scientists are hopeful that these genetic discoveries will someday bring treatments for obesity. In America, approximately two-thirds of American citizens are obese. Obesity brings many risks including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more. The hope is that maybe the genetics in humans could be altered or a medication could be developed to counteract the genes responsible for obesity. Until then, a healthy diet and exercise program is the best way to win the war on obesity.