The more we understand genetics, the more I feel as if
freedom of choice is but a mere illusion. Imagine, you sit down to eat, finish
your meal and are still unsatisfied. At the same time someone across the table
from you hasn’t eaten much all day and is satisfied with just a small portion
of food. Is it preference? Personal eating habit? Perhaps it could be something
more than just a choice. According to a study published in New York Times the
answer may lie in a person’s DNA. This study included half a million people
ages 40-69. A genetic mutation which destroys a person’s satiety, or feeling of
fullness causing them to over eat. This genetic mutation is responsible for 6%
of children with severe obesity, and is the most common single-gene cause of obesity.
On the other hand, a rare mutation of the MC4R causes the opposite. The
function of the gene is that of a switch. After you eat a meal it activates,
letting the body know,” Ok that’s enough food for now.” Before deactivating.
However, in the people who have this rare mutation, the gene doesn’t function.
So they never feel fully satisfied with a meal. They tend to overeat are always
hungry and as a result, often overweight. As if that weren’t bad enough they’re
also 50% more likely to suffer from heart disease and diabetes. I always say
that we’re just scratching the surface of genetic research. At this point in
time scientist around the world are really just discovering what each gene
does. We’re still in the mapping phase. The solutions to the problems of
humanity lie in the future. But the future lies in our hands. What we do with
this knowledge. Maybe someday gene therapy could be used to help activate the
damaged gene and curve a person’s appetite. The future of weight loss? I don’t
know about that. The future of healthier eating habits? Perhaps.
