Scientists Now Able To Modify Gene That Makes Us Ugly And Fat

Not only does an unhealthy diet lead to obesity, but genes inherited through generations also form affect our body weight.

In many cases, genes have a great influence in making people more easily gain weight, resulting in obesity. Scientists from Cambridge University have found a way to prevent this problem from occurring.

They conducted a large study in the UK and found genetic mutations that could protect people from getting obesity as well as other related symptoms. It can be said that this study will contribute to developing a more effective weight-loss drug in the future.

Luca Lotta, a researcher in this study, says:

They analyzed the MC4R gene of around 500,000 volunteers joining the UK Biobank study. The gene is known to have a role in regulating the weight of a person, and in the latest study, 61 variants of this gene with different mutations were discovered.

Some of the variants can prevent their owners from becoming obese — some help them avoid obesity symptoms such as cardiovascular and Type 2 diabetes. Melanocortin 4 receptor is a protein formed in our brain and helps to regulate body weight. The gene variants will affect the ability of melanocortin 4 to function. For those with genes that break down this receptor, it is easier for them to gain weight. And conversely, those with a genes pool that allows this receptor to function continuously don't gain weight no without regard to their dietary and living habits.

Based on this finding, scientists also invented a kind of medicine that activates the melanocortin 4 receptor in the human body. Thanks to this, obese people can lose weight and become healthier.