| Obesity gene was discovered during scientific studies | | | | It is no wonder that overweight and obese people |
| on the human genome. Scientists were looking for | | | | make up the largest segment of the population in |
| genetic markers that increase the risk of developing | | | | North America. Eighty per cent of the population in |
| Type 2 Diabetes. The fatso gene or FTO was | | | | North America has or is dealing with a weight |
| discovered in chubby mice who also had an increased | | | | problem. With so many people struggling to lose |
| vulnerability to Type 2 Diabetes.They were not | | | | weight, this breakthrough news does not necessarily |
| specifically looking for the gene for obesity. | | | | bring comfort to those afflicted with the problem of |
| People who are trying unsuccessfully to lose weight | | | | obesity and weight loss. |
| may actually have a predisposition to obesity. Poor | | | | If you are struggling with obesity and weight loss |
| diet and a sedentary lifestyle were always considered | | | | there is hope. Even if you have the obesity genes |
| to be the primary cause of obesity. The discovery of | | | | you can still lose weight. Exercise and a healthy |
| the fatso gene helps to understand why some | | | | balanced diet are still the best defense when you are |
| people have more difficulty than others with weight | | | | trying to lose weight. Regular exercise burns calories |
| loss in general. | | | | and shrinks fat cells. Weight loss maintenance is a life |
| Scientists believe that there may be as many as 100 | | | | long lifestyle choice. Eating a healthy balanced diet |
| different obesity genes in the human genome. It is | | | | helps to keep your fat cells and your waistline small. |
| possible for an individual to have more than one copy | | | | Genetic disposition is not an excuse to ignore dietary |
| to the fatso gene which increases the potential for | | | | guidelines. It is, however, more important to make |
| developing obesity. Each copy of the gene is | | | | healthy choices and to be consistent and persistent in |
| responsible for more of those extra pounds that lead | | | | maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Knowing that there is a |
| to obesity. | | | | genetic explanation for obesity just explains why so |
| When two copies of the fatso gene are present the | | | | many people are affected but it does not change the |
| probability of obesity is 60% higher than those | | | | way we manage weight. It does reinforce the need |
| without the FTO gene. There is also a 40% | | | | to for most people to be diligent and committed to |
| increased risk for Type 2 Diabetes. Scientists | | | | making healthy choices everyday. |
| estimate that 16% of the overall population has two | | | | New products are being developed and introduced to |
| copies of the fatso gene and at least 50% of the | | | | help our bodies reduce the fat cells and return us to |
| population has one copy of the FTO gene. Scientists | | | | a healthy weight. Dietary aids and supplements can |
| studying chubby mice and the FTO gene suspect | | | | complement your weight loss plan. When you are |
| that, of all the obesity promoting genes, FTO has the | | | | starting any new weight loss products, dietary aids or |
| greatest effect on weight gain. | | | | supplements you should consult your family physician. |