Researchers find a gene linked to obesity, as per recently conducted study.
"The root causes of obesity are intricate and often arrive from a mix of various factors. In a recent study, led by Dr. Mattia Frontini, a genetic cause for obesity was pinpointed, as stated in an email.
Researchers used data from the UK Biobank, a substantial biomedical database, for this investigation, published on Thursday in the journal Med. The team compared data from individuals carrying two flawed copies of a specific gene (SMIM1) to those without these flawed copies.
Individuals with the gene mutation found in the study weighed, on average, an extra 4.6 kilograms (10.14 pounds) for women and 2.4 kilograms (5.29 pounds) for men.
A malfunction in the thyroid and a decline in energy expenditure are the results of the faulty SMIM1 gene, according to Frontini. This means that less energy is used with the same food intake, and the remaining energy is stored as fat.
Dr. Philipp Scherer, director of the Touchstone Diabetes Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, who wasn't part of the study, finds the correlation between the gene mutation and weight gain to be significant. He added that this study has identified a specific gene mutation, which is not always the case in similar research.
This genetic mutation is uncommon, affecting only about 1 in 5,000 individuals with obesity, as Frontini explained. Nevertheless, when multiplied by a population of millions, there are still a reasonable number of people walking around with this mutation, and many of them might not be fully aware that their struggle with obesity has a genetic explanation.
Dysfunction in the thyroid affects almost 2% of the population in the UK and is often managed with a relatively inexpensive medication, as mentioned by Frontini. The research will continue to explore if people with the SMIM1 mutation qualify for this medication treatment, and potential randomized clinical trials may be conducted to determine if this treatment could benefit them and enhance their quality of life.
It's essential to understand that weight isn't purely influenced by willpower or laziness. The composition and form of one's body are influenced by numerous factors, some controllable and others not, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Factors like lifestyle habits, sleep, medications, health issues, location, and genetics play a role, among others.
Currently, research into genetic factors and possible treatments is still in progress. However, Scherer encourages the use of GLP-1 medications for the medical treatment of obesity.
Avoiding extreme dieting and demonizing foods too harshly are also suggested to prevent a cycle of self-restriction and bingeing, according to a previous CNN article by dietitian Brooke Alpert. A gradual, sustainable approach to adopting healthy lifestyle choices is recommended, as proposed by Emily Feig, a postdoctoral fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital."
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Incorporating wellness practices into one's lifestyle can help manage weight and improve overall health. Furthermore, individuals with the identified genetic mutation related to obesity might benefit from considering specific medical treatments, such as GLP-1 medications, to enhance their quality of life.
