The field of genetic research into obesity is still at an early stage

Obesity genetics is all the rage at the moment! The amount of money going into research to locate genetic markers which are found in obese individuals has shot up over the last couple of years as scientists and venture capitalists realise how much money could be made and how effective a medication which dealt with obesity at a genetic level could be.

The latest gene to be discovered by researchers at the University of California-Berkeley concerns one which is reportedly responsible for building up body fat. The gene which researchers have called the DNA-PK gene is responsible for regulating a specific function of the liver which changes carbohydrates into fat.

The research which involved breeding mice which had an unresponsive version of the DNA-PK gene produced some spectacular results. These mice had around 40 percent less body fat and were able to maintain their existing weight even when they were put on a high carbohydrate diet.  Because humans have the same DNA-PK gene they could also benefit from special drugs which could be developed to deactivate it.

In recent years there has been a lot of talk about how you should cut down on your carbohydrate intake because ultimately carbohydrates turn into fat if they are not burned off in the gym.  However some people are able to eat carbohydrates in larger quantities and not put on weight despite not taking much exercise.

The field of genetic research into obesity is still at an early stage and it is unlikely that any serious “obesity cure” will be on the market in the next decade.  In the last few years there have been reports of obesity genes been discovered every few months and the evidence seem to suggest that it is not just one or two genes which are responsible for obesity but a whole combination of them which when combined together increase the likelihood and susceptibility of that person becoming overweight.