A large-scale study spanning six decades found that people in Norway who are least genetically predisposed to obesity are relatively protected from it, while those most predisposed are at risk of both obesity and severe obesity. These findings suggested that interactions between genes and an…
Deleting a gene called Trim28 in mice led to alterations in fat storage and metabolism, especially in female mice, who became significantly heavier, a study reported. These findings demonstrate Trim28‘s role in genetic obesity and show that the…
Genetic risk factors underlying childhood obesity differ from those in adulthood, a large-scale analysis found. Better understanding of such risk factors could further the study of childhood obesity in relation to health later in life. The study, “Separating the genetics…
Three genes with epigenetic changes — those related to gene activity — are associated with both obesity and mood disorders, such as depression, a review study reported. Findings showed that these genes are linked to inflammatory processes. The…
Two genes whose mutations are associated with athletic endurance may help determine the risks of severe obesity in children, a Brazilian study revealed. Titled “Combination of ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms as a tool for…
Despite a healthy birth weight, most children with Bardet‐Biedl syndrome (BBS) experience rapid weight gain in the first years of life that is sustained through adolescence, a study reported. These findings support the need for early recognition of the genetic disorder,…
Adolescents with an eating disorder who carry two obesity-related genetic mutations have high levels of the hunger-reducing hormone leptin in their blood, a Mexican study has found. Higher levels of leptin were also found in participants who reported more binge-eating episodes. The findings…
Continuous setmelanotide treatment prevented the development of obesity in mice with a form of POMC deficiency in the hypothalamus area of the brain, a study reports. The therapy was also found not to affect healthy mice fed a high-fat…
Psychotropic medications lead to early weight gain in people with psychiatric disorders by altering expression of the CRTC1 gene, a study found. The study, “Psychotropic drug-induced genetic-epigenetic modulation of CRTC1 gene is associated with early weight gain in a prospective…
Middle-age and older people who have a greater genetic risk for high body mass index (BMI) are significantly more likely to be overweight or obese and are more susceptible to metabolic dysfunction, a study suggests. The study, “Genetic scores for…
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