Gene Sequence That Can Make Half Of Us Fatter Is Discovered

Scientists from the Imperial College in London has discovered gene sequence that is associated with expansion in waist circumference and weight gains and the tendency to develop type II obesity. This gene sequence is significantly more common in individuals with Indian Asian background more than individuals with European ancestors. The discovery of this genetic sequence provides a possible explanation of high levels of obesity and insulin resistance in the Indian population.
This gene sequence is closely linked to a gene called MC4R that is responsible for regulating the body's energy levels which in turn, controls our food consumption and energy output. The discovery of this particular gene sequence could help scientists and dietitians to transform the management of obesity and help to identify individuals whose genetic inheritance makes them most susceptible to obesity and other related problems like cardiovascular diseases in the future. This finding is very significant as 25% of the world's population has this genetic sequence and are expected to contribute 40% of global cardiovascular diseases. As genetic inheritance cannot be changed within the population, preventative measures such as exercise and new drug targets can be used to reduce the effects of the obesity.