Scientists find Obesity Gene

Scientists claim to have found a gene that causes obesity in a study by the Peninsula Medical school in Exeter and the University of Oxford. DNA samples from more than 38,000 people showed a link between a gene called FTO and Obesity.

People carrying one copy of the FTO gene have a 30% higher risk of obesity, those carrying two copies have a 67% higher risk.

Professor Andrew Hattersley, from the Peninsular Medical School, who led the research said: "As a nation, we are eating more but doing less exercise, and so the average weight is increasing, but within the population some people seem to put on more weight than others. "Our findings suggest a possible answer to someone who might ask: I eat the same and do as much exercise as my friend next door, so why am I fatter? There is clearly a component to obesity that is genetic."

Now it's a matter of waiting for scientists to find a drug treatment to help stem the rise in obesity?

In the meantime we could try the old fashioned ideas of eating healthily and exercising more!!

Your Views

Posted by: Richard Posts: 129 From: Fordingbridge Hampshire		Scientists Find Obesity Gene Will parents wait for a drug to give to their obese children or will they encourage more healthy eating and exercise?

	Posted: 13/Apr/07 at 10:49:12

Posted by: Paul Posts: 18 From:		Replies Any parent waiting to use a new drug on their child should first wait for 10 years to see if any side effects come to light ... therefore, I think exercise and good diet is the key as this method is safe. If the child is Obese then to make the exercise very safe, hire a qualified personal trainer. The extra motivation that a personal trainer provides is money well spent.

	Posted: 16/Apr/07 at 9:55:11

What do you think?
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