Wonder why you are always hungry? Ever thought of how some
people eat tons and not become obese? Researchers from the University of
Cambridge have found a link in the genetic mutation of KSR2. Past studies have
found that deletion of this gene causes obesity in mice. The researchers
analyzed genetic sequences of roughly 2000 children with early signs of obesity
and compared them to normal weighted children. The results showed that the
mutation of KSR2 gene had affected the functions such as increase in appetite, slow
metabolism, lower heart rate, and high insulin resistance. Also, individual studies show that deletion of this gene causes mice to become obese.
This could be huge discovery of obesity. I think that by knowing the gene, scientist may someday be able to rid of the mutation, or at least detect early signs of the gene--which could allow for medicinal care in its early stages of obesity.
http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/
It would be great to one day fight the obesity epidemic at the genetic level; however, now we can start with our environment. We can eat healthier diets and make sure that we exercise.
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