Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Sweet Tooth Gene Connected With Less Body Fat



In a recent study conducted by the University of Copenhagen, individuals with the gene variation of FGF21, commonly an allele for a sweet tooth, tend to have less body fat. The discovery defies our popular belief that those who eat more sugar tend to carry more fat. However, those individuals who do carry this allele, tend to have higher blood pressure and carry more fat around the waist commonly described as a more 'apple shape'. The study included data from 450,000 individuals collected by the UK Biobank which included blood samples and surveys on diet as well as family genetic history. By founding out more information about the FGF21 gene, scientists are hoping to develop a drug that could potentially treat those suffering from diabetes and obesity. FGF21 is commonly associated with sugar and by possibly replacing this gene drug companies and researchers will have a better understanding on how to predict potential side effects. This research could potentially change the way we associate those who consume large amounts of sugar and diseases like diabetes and obesity and could potential be the starting information needed into finding an efficient treatment.

Article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180411111013.htm
Original Studyhttp://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(18)30431-5

6 comments:

  1. I never knew that there was a gene that was at fault for us having a sweet tooth. Also, it is surprising to hear that those of us who display this gene seem to have less body fat. It is really intriguing to learn that there may be a way for scientists to help people who struggle with eating disorders by addressing this gene.

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  2. This article and research is cool. I never knew there was a gene for a sweet tooth. I feel as though I probably carry that gene, so now I can use this information as an excuse for me eating so much sugar. This is also good news because diabetes runs in my family and if they can develop this information to treat the development of diabetes that would be great!

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  3. Well one thing is for sure, I am missing (lacking) this gene! This was a cool article !

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  4. This was an interesting article; I didn't know there was a gene for a sweet tooth. It would be great if the research on this gene could develop a treatment for diabetes and obesity, which both run in my family.

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  5. This article is pretty cool. As a person who loves candy, I was very surprised to find out there was a gene for having a sweet tooth. As much as I love candy, I should consider cutting down my sugar intake to prevent diseases, such as diabetes or obesity.

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  6. I definitely know that I'm not one of the people with this gene as it seems like I gain weight just by looking at sweets. Would be interesting if this gene could lead to drug development to help people with weight issues

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