British scientists believe that if a person is constantly experiencing a feeling of hunger and cannot get rid of extra pounds, then it is quite possible that the cause of the problems needs to be sought in the genes. Specialists at the University of Cambridge discovered the “hunger gene” KSR2, which may be responsible for obesity. This gene slows down the metabolism and helps increase appetite in people.
During the study, genetics examined the data of more than 2,000 volunteers suffering from severe obesity. It turned out that patients with KSR2 gene mutations constantly felt hungry and burned fewer calories than patients with a normal copy of the gene, according to The Daily Mail.
It is known that one of the causes of obesity is poor nutrition and lack of physical activity. According to researchers, the genetic factor may be less important. “Some people find it much easier to gain weight than others. It depends a lot on the genetic predisposition, ”said Dr. Sadaf Farouki of Cambridge University. He also said that genes can influence the development of obesity due to a slowdown in metabolism.
Cell experiments have shown that mutations in the KSR2 gene disrupt metabolic processes, such as the breakdown of fatty acids, which are the source of energy for the body, and glucose.
According to Faruki, the results of this study will help to better understand the mechanisms of development of obesity in children and will become a starting point in the development of a line of new drugs against obesity and type 2 diabetes, which is associated with this disease.
In 2007, the British had already found a gene responsible for obesity. This is the FTO Obesity Gene. With him, experts associate a tendency to overeat and cravings for fatty and sweet foods. According to researchers, for 16% of people who have inherited two copies of the mutated FTO, the likelihood of developing obesity increases by 70%, unlike those who do not have this gene. And in people who have inherited one copy of the gene (such 49%), the risk of obesity increases by 30%.