FTO GeneThe FTO gene is also called the "fat mass and obesity associated gene." Research has shown that there is a direct association between this gene and the BMIs of white Europeans and their decedents. If you inherit a defective gene from both of your parents, your risk of being obese is increased by 67% and your would weight about 6.6 lbs more. Exactly how this gene works is not fully known, but we have some clues. The FTO gene produces proteins that have 2-oxoglutarate-dependent nucleic acid demethylase activity. (That's quite a mouthful! It basically means is acts on either DNA or RNA.) In mice, these proteins are most abundant in the brain, especially in the hypothalamus. Depending on whether a mouse is fasting or feeding, the levels of protein change in another area of the brain called the arcuate nucleus. It may also have an effect on insulin sensitivity in the brain. The signal for making the FTO protein goes up in the fat cells of women who have higher BMIs. A mutation causes there to be a decreased ability to use fat as energy. In a study on Scottish children, researchers found that a specific genetic variation was associated with an increase in their weight, BMI, and food intake. They ended up having about 4 lbs more fat on them. The good news is that by controlling the amount of calories one eats, this effect on obesity can stifled.
It is important you
discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your doctor. Only you and
your physician can decide what is best for you. Some people have
certain conditions that prevent them from doing all exercises, and goal
body weights may be different for different people. You need to discuss
all these things with your physician before starting any weight loss or
exercise program. This article was written by John Vickery, MD. References Current Opinion in Lipidology 2008;19:113-121 N Engl J Med 2008;359:2558-66
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