Hunger Gene May Be Behind Obesity Epidemic

[ecstatic]

LONDON (CBS4) ― We all have those moments when we eat more than we should. But for some, it may not be in our head. Instead, it could be in our genes; one specific gene doesn't allow the body to stop eating when it should, and it could be targeting our children.

Sweet treats are awfully hard for nine-year-old Jenna Cunneen to resist. She likes ice cream, particularly vanilla with sprinkles! But there may be a reason beyond a strong sweet tooth. British researchers believe a gene already linked to obesity, called FTO, may be the culprit.

Researchers studied more than 3,000 8-to-11-year-olds. They found children with a particular strain of the gene couldn't tell when they were full, and were more likely to eat extra compared to children without the gene.

"It is genuinely much more difficult for them to regulate their food intake appropriately," says Professor Jane Wardle from the University College in London.

http://cbs4.com/health/eating.food.dr.2.785757.html

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I think we are closer to making obesity discrimination completely illegal--if it's due to a gene, then that is something that people cannot control.

[SmokingJacket]

1. I know this gene exists, but why is it more prominent now?

If it's responsible for the "obesity epidemic" (if there is one), then it must have somehow spread itself through the gene pool since 1980, when the numbers started going up.

[Javaman]

2. there must have been some serious inbreeding since then.

LOL :rofl:

[SoCalDem]

3. It's the HCFS gene..n/t