More than half of the US population are obese. Obesity gradually leads to many other diseases, which is causing a alarming situation worldwide. Scientists are now searching for a genetic approach to solve this uncontrollable Overweight condition. There first aim is to identify the genes that are most associated with obesity.
Insulin induces a gene called INSIG2. This can inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acid. If this gene stops acting in its normal way, more amount of fat molecule will be formed. Any variation in its sequence will lead to abnormal fat accumulation. The three fat related disorders like – Anderson Disease, Chylomicron Retention Disease (CMRD) and Marinesco Sjogren Syndrome are associated to some genetic modifications. The Sar1b protein which helps in fat absorption cannot be formed. This results in incorrect absorption of fat or fat malabsorption.
A variant gene called FTO is found in all obese European population. This gene is prone to Type 2 Diabetes. When two copies of this variant FTO is present in a person, he is likely to weigh 3 kg more than a normal person. When only 1 copy is present, the person is found to weigh just 1.2 kg more than the normal person.
Lipin gene in humans is also responsible in fat cell formation. A deficiency of this gene will stop the normal fat cell development.
ENPP1 is a mutant gene. This can block the binding of insulin in brain and pancreas. In the insulin resistance condition, all the glucose molecule will get converted into fat molecules. This will restrict the secretion of insulin and causing Type 2 Diabetes.
GAD2 gene is found on chromosome no.10. It helps in stimulating appetite. One form of this gene can can protect against obesity while another form can induce the risk.
Scientists are expecting about 20 types of genes being involved in causing obesity. But worldwide obesity is not always genetic.
