Obesity is simply the body mass index that is greater than 30Kg/meter square with more than 30% of Americans being obese and obesity also constitutes 5-7% of National Health spending (Walley, Blakemore & Froguel, 2006).The number of obese children has also tripled in the last thirty years. A new genetic variation that affects individual’s fat mass, abosolute weight and disposition to obesity was recently found. A mutation in MC4R gene usually results in familiar obesity which makes children of obese more at risk than other children whose parents are not obese (MRC, 2008). The study established that individuals possessing copies of MC4R genetic variant gain an average weight of 1.5 kg compared to those who do not have the variation. Similarly, the FTO gene has also been held culprit and individuals who carry two copies of the FTO variant also have higher weight of about 2-3 kg on the average compared to persons with no copies of the variation (MRC, 2008).
Individuals who have both the FTO variant and the recently discovered MC4R together were 3.8kg heavier on average. The third identified gene in causation of obesity is the NeXN3 (Neurexin gene 3), the same gene that has been linked to addiction and alcohol dependence as well as substance abuse. Identifying genes responsible for obesity may help to produce drugs that can target the molecular pathways via which obesity genes carry out their effect (Scientist Live).
The fourth gene that has also been implicated in a study, in the causation of obesity is the ENPPI gene which contributes to obesity in children and also simultaneously increases diabetes risk. The study revealed that obesity is majorly inherited from grandparents and parents to the children. The conclusion was reached when researchers found similar patterns in the risk of obesity in children parent and grandparent. (Biomedicine, 2008).
Fat cell biology reveals that obese children have more fat cells and this is regarded as hyperplasic obesity which is also genetically determined..Genetics influences close to 70% of obesity. Sixty percent of children with single parent obese come down with obesity while the percentage increases to eighty percent when both parents are obese. Finally, a protein called leptin is produced by the OB gene (obese gene) and this leptin circulates in the human blood (Q&A, 2009) The lepton also acts on the brain and signal satiety leading to reduction in appetite and food intake (Q&A, 2009).The DB gene found in diabetes patient also stimulates the OB protein receptor leading to production of leptin, hence the link between diabetes and obesity.
In conclusion, obesity is really a genetic problem involving a lot of genetic diversity which makes its moral solution almost impossible. Article based on http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Newspublications/News/MRC004564
By SeoRin Park 41365654
