Iqra Mumal, MSc,  —

Mutations in the gene coding for a protein called adiponectin are associated with a higher likelihood of type 2 diabetes  and obesity. However, this relationship varies with ethnicity, a study in India found. The study, “A genetic analysis identifies a haplotype at adiponectin locus: Association with obesity…

Five genes involved in salt sensitivity may be biomarkers and treatment targets for obesity, according to a study. The study, “Unraveling the role of salt-sensitivity genes in obesity with integrated network biology and co-expression analysis,” was published in the journal PLOS One. Obesity is caused by complex interactions…

A specific mutation in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene is associated with higher risk of obesity, according to a study. The study, “Association between MC4R rs17782313 genotype and obesity: a meta-analysis,” was published in the journal Gene. While it is well known that diet and physical inactivity…

Off-label use of the stimulant methylphenidate in children with genetic obesity was associated with a lower body mass index (BMI) and decreased appetite after nearly one year of treatment, a study reports. These changes are clinically meaningful among patients who would otherwise experience rapid weight gain and subsequent complications over time,…

Fauna Bio and Novo Nordisk are collaborating to find novel treatments for obesity by studying the genes and pathways that increase metabolism in hibernating mammals. The purpose of this joint research is to understand the cellular physiology of hibernating animals in periods when they are metabolically active. Over…

Genetic data from humans and hibernating animals has led to the discovery of over 300 potential master genetic switches that control obesity, according to a new study. This provides new clues on genetic factors that may contribute to obesity and metabolic disorders. The study, “Parallel Accelerated Evolution in Distant…

A girl with obesity and other characteristic signs of Alström syndrome was found to have two very unusual mutations in the ALMS1 gene, both largely unreported in this disease, according to a case study. Its researchers suggest their findings support genetic testing to help diagnose Alström syndrome and…

Carrying mutations in other genes besides those typically associated with Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) likely contributes to the severity and diversity of the disorder, according to a case report on two brothers. The study, “Multiple genetic mutations implicate spectrum of phenotypes in Bardet-Biedl syndrome,” was published in the journal…

People who carry genetic variants that predispose them to obesity are more susceptible to increases in body weight and waist circumference when eating a western diet — e.g., sweetened beverages and fast foods. These genetic variants, however, had no effect on body fat among people eating healthy diets. The study…

People with a specific variant in the gene coding for the vitamin D receptor have almost twice the risk of being obese, a study suggests. The study, “New evidence for associations between vitamin D receptor polymorphism and obesity: case-control and family-based studies,” was published in the Journal of…