Healthy living
Diet and weight loss
Fat thighs may be in your genes
A single gene could play an important part in determining whether you get fat or stay skinny, according to US researchers
The discovery by scientists from the University of Texas could lead to new ways to battle the obesity epidemic, according to their report published in the journal Cell Metabolism. They pinpointed an 'adipose' gene which was first isolated in fruit flies over 50 years ago. By manipulating this gene, they found that they were able to control fat formation in mice.
In the study, mice with increased adipose gene activity were thinner than normal mice. This was true even if they ate the same amount of food, or even more. These mice were also better at controlling insulin and blood sugar levels. Mice with their adipose gene switched off, however, were fatter, less healthy and prone to diabetes.
The hope is that the adipose gene, also found in humans, could be manipulated in the same way to solve weight gain problems in people and reduce the risk of diseases associated with obesity.
'From worms to mammals, this gene controls fat formation,' said lead author Jonathan Graff. 'It could explain why so many people struggle to lose weight and suggests an entirely new direction for developing medical treatments that address the current epidemic of diabetes and obesity.'
This study backs up previous research that has shown that our genes play an important role in determining whether we pile on the pounds or remain stick thin.
The team found that they were able to not only switch the adipose gene on and off but also turn it up and down, increasing its potential to treat obesity. 'Maybe if you could affect this gene, even just a little bit, you might have a beneficial effect on fat,' said Professor Graff.
The UK population is getting fatter and obesity is now the second largest killer in this country. The percentage of adults who are obese has roughly doubled in the last 20 years: more than 20 per cent of the UK population are now considered obese and over a half of men and a third of women are overweight.
Dr David Haslam, clinical director of the National Obesity Forum, welcomes the study but advises caution on the potential benefits of this latest research. 'Although this is an interesting study it does not help us manage obesity on a day to day basis,' says Haslam. 'It is important that people do not see themselves as victims of their genes. There are so many other factors that play a part. Most importantly people need to lead a healthy life style, eating a balanced diet and getting physical exercise.'
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