Obesity, as we know, is a disease which brings in various other diseases and affects the body negatively. It has emerged as a serious public health problem in 21st century. A gene namely FTO is supposed to be the cause of obesity in humans. Let’s discuss it in detail.
What Is FTO?
FTO (Fat mass and obesity associated) is a gene present in human chromosome number 16 and is responsible for certain variants correlated with obesity in human beings. Studies show that carriers of one copy of allele (2 copies of same gene) weigh 3kg more than non carriers of the genes. It means people have more than 70% risk of being obese, if they possess this gene. It also sheds some light on the fact that this gene is also responsible for type2 diabetes.
Study On Mice
A group of scientists from a premier university took a group of mice and studied their BMI. The mice with the FTO gene were obese and remained less active. Then scientists knocked out (or inactivated) their FTO genes and the results were astonishing. Mice without the FTO genes functioning had rapid increase in calorie burning system inside the body and started thinning. And mice with well functioning FTO still gained weight.
Effect On Humans
It has already proven that FTO is an obesity causing gene on humans. The new study also shows the functioning of human brain metabolism to control hunger, signal digestion and calorie burning process. The study let us know about the functioning of these genes along with the interplay between the brain and the various metabolism related to FTO gene.
So, the day is not so far when scientists will unlock the secret of the FTO genes and new cures medical, pharmaceutical or genetic to prevent obesity will be invented.
