Scientists discover genetic link to obesity

Scientists researching into diabetes have discovered a genetic link to obesity - and half the population carries the gene responsible! Researchers were looking for a genetic link in type 2 Diabetes when they came across the FTO gene. Professor Mark McCarthy, of the Wellcome Trust centre for human genetics at Oxford University, which led the research, told the journal 'Science' 'We were able to show that it is associated with differences in weight and that weight is due to differences in fat.'

This is the first time scientists have been able to prove a clear genetic link to obesity that affects a large section of the population. One copy of the gene leads to a 1.2kg (2.6lb) weight increase while those with two copies are on average 3kg (6.6lbs) heavier. Around half those studied so far have one copy of the gene and one in six carry two. Those with two are 67% more likely to be obese. Child obesity has become an increasing problem in the UK in recent years.

Professor McCarthy counselled caution about the discovery, 'This is still only one player out of many,' he said, (it) 'doesn't explain why some people are 50kg heavier than others.'

He also added that people should resist the temptation to blame being overweight on genetic factors. 'Whether you have this risk factor or not, if you are overweight you should eat less and exercise more.'

His advice was endorsed by fellow study team member Graham Hitman of Queen Mary's school of medicine and dentistry, who said 'Improving lifestyle is still the key to reducing the obesity epidemic but some people will find it harder because of their genes.'

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