The Discovery of the “Skinny” Gene
While many people struggle with weight problems, there are those few individuals who are lucky enough to have that elusive “skinny” gene. According to a study published in Cell Metabolism, the gene has already been found in a number of animals. Not surprisingly, this “skinny” gene is also present in humans.
Senior researcher and scientist Jonathan Graff, who works at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, has long hunted for this gene. Along with his team of DNA experts, Graff already has a shortlist of potential genes that could be responsible for the formation of fat.
The gene was actually discovered first by a Yale University grad student 50 years ago. In her study of fruit flies, Winifred Doane noticed that some fruit flies were thin while others were fat. She eventually determined which gene was responsible and named it “adipose”.
During their search for information on the “skinny” gene, Graff and his team chanced upon Doane’s research. Graff asked for descendants of the fruit flies and took a closer look. Sure enough, fruit flies that possess two copies of the “adipose” gene were quite thin. On the other hand, those with one bad and one good copy were of medium weight. More studies revealed that the gene actually adapts to the needs of the fruit flies – sort of an evolutionary mechanism.
The discovery of the “skinny” gene is certainly good news. Obesity experts are actually looking forward to such time when the gene in the human DNA can be determined.
Addressing obesity problems in the United States has now become a top health priority. According to the Center for Disease Control, 66 percent of Americans are obese or overweight. With such a high rate, it is not the least bit surprising that obesity has been considered an epidemic. Health experts are worried that the numbers will continue to climb and have advised the general public on ways to cut back on their unhealthy lifestyles and start exercising. In fact, there have been bans on junk food, required disclosure of calorie information on restaurants and numerous information campaigns about the dangers of obesity to one’s health.
Being obese will increase your chances of suffering from illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes. Although it is very clear that genetics plays a major role in obesity, health experts still believe that a good amount of physical activity and proper diet will come a long way. The availability of natural weight loss supplements can also help an overweight person lose those unwanted pounds.
Of course, all these things will not work if you are not determined to lose weight. If you think that sooner or later you can find an easy solution to your weight problems, you should better think again. Even diet pills that have been approved by the FDA require exercise and low-fat diet.
If Graff and his team would discover the “skinny” gene in the human DNA soon, then it would certainly make losing weight easier. while waiting for such breakthrough, it would be best if you would continue with a healthy lifestyle.
