Posted on 09/06/2007 8:49:14 AM PDT by nypokerface
DALLAS, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have determined a single "skinny gene" might alone control whether a body tends to accumulate fat.
"From worms to mammals, this gene controls fat formation," said Dr. Jonathan Graff of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the study's senior author. "It could explain why so many people struggle to lose weight and suggests an entirely new direction for developing medical treatments that address the current epidemic of diabetes and obesity."
The gene, called adipose, was discovered more than 50 years ago but its mechanism was not determined.
In the new study, researchers discovered the gene is likely a high-level "master switch" that is dose-sensitive, meaning the various combinations of its variants lead to a range of body types from slim to medium to obese.
"This is good news for potential obesity treatments, because its like a volume control instead of a light switch; it can be turned up or down, not just on or off," Graff said. "Eventually, of course, the idea is to develop drugs to target this system, but thats in the years to come."
The research appears in the journal Cell Metabolism.
Scientists discovered this gene is responsible for control the movement of the arms to the mouth region. In overweight people, the gene refuses to stop working, and they keep shoveling food into their mouths.
Wow, only the second post before the fat-bashing began.
Misleading headline.
What is this about the 10th new study with the 10th new reason why it is impossible not to be fat
Now that smokers have been beaten into oblivion, the obese will take their place as the whipping boys of society.
you too huh... I knew I was not alone.. lol
I thought the “master switch” was called “self-control”?
And the gene tied to some people resembling a giant anal orifice remains undiscovered.
Here. Here's the sacrificial ham. Go after him first!
When liberals go after their own, that's when it gets interesting.
awwwww.
Play the victim card. It burns calories.
Gee, it must be nice to have such a holier than thou attitude.
Get off your high horse. There are people who are by clinical definition obese that eat no more and some times less than your average person and certainly well within the calorie guidelines of the medical profession.
Scientists are now discovering the facts behind what many people have been telling them for years. Genes, viruses, insulin response are all recognized medical conditions that we are just now beginning to understand how they impact the human metabolism. Even the types of food can impact the metabolism and people’s body respond differently. My wife gains weight if she eats too much meat and has to follow the food pyramid very closely. I gain weight rapidly if I follow the food pyramid because it contains too many carbohydrates. My doctor tells me that my body produces too much insulin in response to carbohydrates.
Do some people over eat and/or under exercise ... sure. But do not paint with such a wide brush as to believe that everyone is the same and can be simply treated the same way.
You’re “fat bashing”!!!
No hope for Rosie.
It's always the same with this stuff.
The solution's always, "years to come".
Translated it means anyone amped-up over hearing the *good news* will be dead & gone.
...by then.
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