Half of us have ‘fat genes’

Over 50% of Britain’s population are carriers of a gene that could be making them fat.

Scientists have discovered a section of genetic code that gives its owners an increased chance of being overweight and suffering from related ailments such as diabetes and heart disease.

According to The Telegraph website, the gene is a third more common amongst those of South Asian descent, and leads those carrying it to weigh at least 4.4kg heavier and have a waist that is 2cm larger than non-carriers.

Carriers are also more susceptible to Type 2 diabetes, which stems from becoming resistant to insulin, researchers found.

Professor Jaspal Kooner, from Imperial College London, said: “Until now, we have understood remarkably little about the genetic component of common problems linked with obesity, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

“Finding such a close association between a genetic sequence and significant physical effects is very important, especially when the sequence is found in half the population.”

The research was commissioned due to increased rates of obesity-related illnesses in Indian Asians, in comparison with their Northern European counterparts.

These findings support last year’s discovery that a gene called FTO, which is carried by over half of the British population, makes them nearly 70% more likely to be overweight.

Source: The Telegraph