Six new obesity genes discovered

Root of obesity is in brain, and not stomach, according two new genetic studies. An international team of researchers has discovered common variations at six new sites in the human genome which influence obesity. These genes are linked to brain rather than metabolic functions like fat storage.

The genetic study by Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits (Giant) Consortium has identified six new genetic variants that are associated with increased body mass index (BMI). Five of these genes are known to be active in the brain, suggesting that many genetic variants implicated in obesity might affect behaviour, rather than the chemical processes of energy or fat metabolism.

This suggests people who become overweight may be hardwired for hunger from birth or early childhood and are programmed to overeat, according to research published in the journal Nature Genetics.

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