• April 26, 2024

Eating too much and gaining weight does not have to be associated only with a metabolic imbalance or an irrepressible desire to consume foods rich in fats or sugars. According to a British investigation against obesity, this could have more to do with a mental state and with six genes linked to it.

The study, carried out by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute of Cambridge, England , says that five of these genes are active in the brain , so scientists believe that their discovery could lead to new treatments against obesity, aimed at changing the psychology of people towards food, instead of the physical desire to eat.

Variations in genes increase the risk

The study was based on a genetic analysis of 90,000 people whose DNA was examined for the smallest mutations, and compared with their body mass index, scientific assessment based on height and weight.

The scientists discovered six genetic variations that seem to cause a small but significant increase in weight. If someone has the six variants, typically weigh between 1.5 and 2 kilos more than the average person.

Brain and obesity

The fact that five of these variants are close to active genes in the brain , raises the probability that the excess weight is due to the way in which the brain is wired from birth. In the opinion of Dr. Inés Barroso, member of the research team, "it seems remarkable that the brain is the organ most commonly influenced by the genetic variation that causes obesity, instead of fat tissue or digestive processes."

It is estimated that between 40 and 70% of the variation in body mass index is caused by genes, rather than by the environment.

According to the experts of the American Psychological Association , facing obesity and similar problems of weight control requires adopting new habits that promote a healthy lifestyle, not only trying to make radical changes in the diet or activity patterns.

It is important to consider a team approach that involves several health professionals to avoid overlooking attitudes and emotional problems that may have caused obesity.

Video Medicine: Lung Cancer Risks raised by Genetic Variations (April 2024).