Genetic mutation identified as potential trigger for obesity, study finds

Lina Portman1 week ago

0 2 minutes read

Genetic mutation identified as potential trigger for obesity, study finds — The study used data from the UK Biobank

What is the story

An international research team has identified a significant link between a genetic mutation and increased weight gain.

The study, published in Medicalfound that SMIM1 gene mutation can cause additional weight gain due to its effect on thyroid function.

The researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank, which includes information on the lifestyle and biology of half a million UK residents.

SMIM1 mutation impacts metabolism and weight gain

The study compared individuals carrying the functional SMIM1 gene to those with the mutated version.

The results revealed that people with the mutated gene showed signs of additional weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels, elevated liver enzymes and other symptoms associated with being overweight.

The study's lead author, Mattia Frontini, explained that even when consuming the same food as individuals with a normal SMIM1 gene, people with the mutation burn fewer calories and are more prone to weight gain. weight.

Sex differences in weight gain due to mutation

Research has also found gender differences in weight gain due to the SMIM1 mutation.

Women carrying the defective gene carry an extra 4.6 kg on average, while men carry an extra 2.4 kg on average.

Frontini pointed out that despite the complex causes of obesity, this study identified a clear genetic trigger for obesity, although rare, estimated to affect one in 5,000 people.

New avenues of research opened for weight loss treatments

Despite these important findings, many questions remain about other potential genetic links to obesity.

This discovery of the role of the SMIM1 mutation in weight gain opens new avenues of research into weight loss treatments.

The study comes at a time when interest in semaglutide, a drug used for weight loss, is increasing.