Weighty findings

26 March 2009

Researchers studying the genetic risks of obesity have found six new genetic regions that may affect our behaviour rather than the way fat is digested or stored.

The study, involving scientists at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, looked at the DNA of over 90 000 people. The regions identified contain genes that are expressed in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates body functions such as hunger.

The findings suggest that genetic variation affecting how the brain behaves in response to food influences the risk of obesity.

Reference

Willer CJ et al. Six new loci associated with body mass index highlight a neuronal influence on body regulation. Nat Genet 2009;41(7):25-34