Carb Breakdown Gene Linked to Obesity

              Researchers at King's College London and Imperial College London have discovered that people with fewer copies of a gene coding for a carb-digesting enzyme may be at higher risk of obesity. The findings, published in Nature Genetics. Salivary amylase plays a significant role in breaking down carbohydrates in the mouth at the start of the digestion process. The new study suggests that people with fewer copies of the AMY1 gene have lower levels of this enzyme and therefore will have more difficulty breaking down carbohydrates than those who have more copies of this gene. It suggests that people's bodies may react differently to the same type and amount of food, leading to weight gain in some and not in others. The researching team found that a number of copies of the AMY1 gene were consistently linked to obesity. In thefuture, a simple blood or saliva test might be used to measure levels of key enzymes such as amylase in the body and therefore shape dietary advice for overweight and underweight people to help their weight problems before it is too late. As a large person this research would be really cool to see happen. I also believe that this could lead to the stop of diabetes if we could control our weight.