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13/04/2007
Genes to blame for obesity
Scientists researching diabetes have discovered a genetic link to obesity.
A common gene variant found in 16 per cent of the population is believed to be responsible for exploding rates of obesity.
People with two copies of the gene are almost 70 per cent at risk of being obese than those having none, and are likely to be 3kgs heavier on average.
Professor Andrew Hattersley, from the Peninsular Medical School, who led the research published yesterday in the journal Science, said: "As a nation, we are eating more but doing less exercise, and so the average weight is increasing, but within the population some people seem to put on more weight than others.
"Our findings suggest a possible answer to someone who might ask 'I eat the same and do as much exercise as my friend next door, so why am I fatter?'
"There is clearly a component to obesity that is genetic."
The association between the FTO variant and obesity was seen in all age groups above seven years. (CD/JM)
A common gene variant found in 16 per cent of the population is believed to be responsible for exploding rates of obesity.
People with two copies of the gene are almost 70 per cent at risk of being obese than those having none, and are likely to be 3kgs heavier on average.
Professor Andrew Hattersley, from the Peninsular Medical School, who led the research published yesterday in the journal Science, said: "As a nation, we are eating more but doing less exercise, and so the average weight is increasing, but within the population some people seem to put on more weight than others.
"Our findings suggest a possible answer to someone who might ask 'I eat the same and do as much exercise as my friend next door, so why am I fatter?'
"There is clearly a component to obesity that is genetic."
The association between the FTO variant and obesity was seen in all age groups above seven years. (CD/JM)
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Childhood obesity has more to do with genes than lifestyle, a recent report has claimed. The study of more than 5,000 pairs of twins aged eight to 11 showed that genes contributed 77% of the amount by which their body mass and waist circumference varied. Only 23% of the differences between the children was attributed to the home environment.
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Half of British population obese says report
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Half of British population obese says report
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Government's child obesity target 'may not be met'
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Government's child obesity target 'may not be met'
The government's target to halt the rise of child obesity by 2010 may not be met unless there is "clearer leadership", a report has warned. The incidence of childhood obesity increased from 9.6% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003.
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