Friday, March 13, 2015

The Role of Genes in Obesity

According to the article on US News, new research now offers more evidence that genes play an important role in obesityIn this study, researchers analyzed genetic samples from more than 300,000 people and identified 140 locations across their sets of DNA that play a role in obesity. This finding is the first step toward identifying individual genes that are involved in body shape and size. The protein produced by these genes could offer targets for the development of new drugs to fight obesity. Although more research is yet to be done, the results of this finding can help explain why some people are more likely to gain extra pounds and develop health conditions that are linked with obesity. 
I think this is an important finding in medicine field. The results from this research can help us understand how specific genes influence the location of fat deposits, which lead to health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Once this is understood, we can come up with ways to prevent obesity linked health conditions. 

2 comments:

  1. I really liked this article that you posted because it can actually answer a lot of questions. I know many adults, and even children that are suffering from obesity, and knowing that it might be a lot more genetic than expected can be very helpful in understanding why some people just gain weight much quicker than others. A possible drug to help stop the weight gain would be a great advantage as long as it does not show many side affects.

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  2. Genetics unfortunately plays a huge role in obesity. Some people can eat for days and not gain a pound while others drink a glass of waters and become overweight. It's so fascinating that 140 locations were able to have been identified on DNA that affect obesity. I think this gene will definitely help in the fight towards heart disease and diabetes. But I wonder if something will be done to alter gene sequences to change a persons problem with obesity.

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