Scientists Find "fat" Gene

British scientists have found a gene that can help explain why some of us put on weight more easily than others.

Everyone has this gene but those with one version of this gene are 70% more likely to be obese. The person with this obesity linked variation of the gene are likely to be on average 6.6 pounds heavier with 15% more body fat then the variation with the lowest risk of obesity. The gene FTO and its effect on weight first were first studied when Case Control Consortium was having a study on genetic origins of various diseases. The genes of 2,000 people with type 2 diabetes were compared to the genes of 3000 healthy individuals. From there some scientists from Oxford and the University of Exeter found that some variations of the gene occurred more frequently in those with type 2 diabetes than those without. However, there was no effect when the data took obesity into account. The scientists then began to ponder whether or not this FTO gene had any link to obesity. To follow up on this they decided to further their study with more test subjects.

It has been hypothesized for years that genetics have something to do with obesity. It is not uncommon to see a whole family of obese people. Scientists have just not been able to find the exact gene that influences weight and why some people tend to gain weight at a more rapid pace than other people. It needs to be understood that genetics alone are not responsible for obesity. Even those with this "fat gene" can maintain a decent weight with a good, balanced diet and plenty of exercise. Other factors such as stress can also effect weight. It should also be kept in mine that this gene does not automatically make a person fat. It only adds to the risk of becoming obese. This is also not the only gene that causes obesity. Others might but have not been studied yet.

These findings have been met with a lot of excitement. Susan Jebb, of the MRC Human Nutrition Unit, said: "This research provides clear evidence of a biological mechanism which makes some people more susceptible to gaining weight in a world where food is plentiful and sedentary lifestyles the norm."

The hope is that one day finding like this can be used to find treatments and medicine to fight obesity. Obesity is linked to all kinds of medical problems like type 2 diabetes, heart problems, liver and kidney problems, and different types of cancers. Obesity has became a medical epidemic in the Western world as people are eating worse and moving less.

Sources: The Times Online