3 New Obesity Genes Found
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17/03/08 - Science & tech section
Scientists have discovered three further crucial genes behind the obesity epidemic.
Last year researchers found the first obesity gene, which increases the chance of becoming dangerously overweight by 70 per cent.
Three more have now been found.
Experts say they could lead to drugs designed to treat or even prevent the condition that blights the health of millions.
Scientists in Seattle announced yesterday, in a study published in the journal Nature, that the three genes, known as Lpl, Lactb and Ppm1l, all appear to promote weight gain, meaning doctors could attack them with drugs.
Doctors warned, however, that such a breakthrough is a long way in the future and that diet and exercise are still the only way to lose weight.
One in four British adults is classified as obese - so overweight that their health is in danger.
It is feared that the number could double by 2050 unless the obesity epidemic is checked.
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