“Obesity Gene” Is To Blame For Extra Pounds?

Oh, the challenge of extra weight, and losing extra weight, and keeping the extra weight off. If you are tired of blaming yourself, then blame your genes. It might be a legitimate reason!  Scientists have discovered a gene mutation that can make people who have just had a filling dinner, feel hungry.

The hormones leptin and insulin are released after eating for the average person. These hormones then tell the satiety-center of the brain that the stomach is full. But, when the signals are transmitted as scrambled, then even if we are full, we're still hungry — and we keep eating.

In studies at Georgetown University researchers, using mice, found a mutation in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf, for short) that can disrupt that signal, leading the rodents to continually eat and rapidly gain weight. The researchers hope there might be a way stimulate that gene and prevent obesity.

Researchers claim this is the first time scientists have been able to show exactly how the gene plays a role in overeating,

[News Medical]