Is obesity all (just) in the mind? Genetically…

There is no doubt that obesity is primarily caused by poor eating habits and inactive lifestyle. But a meta-analysis of several obesity studies found that six new obesity genes are expressed in the brain.

Scientists from the international GIANT (Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Parameters) consortium analyzed data from 15 genome-wide association studies and identified six new candidate genes that were related to regulation of body weight. Several of these new genes are highly expressed or known to act in the brain, emphasizing the role of the central nervous system in predisposition to obesity.

UPDATE: Endurance Geek made me rethink my title with obesity being “all in the mind”. Instead of changing the post title (or maybe I should? I DID) I thought I would add to my post a little more.

The study above support the growing evidence that obesity is genetic to some extent, meaning some people are more predisposed to being overweight than others who may not carry the gene variant. Discovering that “brain genes” are involve suggest that the central nervous system has a role in our weight gain. What the genes act on exactly is the next step of discovery. BUT, genes do interact with the environment (in this case, lifestyle, food intake, maybe even attitude and behavior) in very complicated ways. AND environment plays are huge role in weight loss. So, bottom line – whether you are predisposed to weight gain or not, a a good regimen of physical activity and healthy eating lifestyle will make all the difference in your efforts to lose weight.

The paper appears in the December online issue of Nature Genetics. Print publication goes out in the Vol. 41 January 2009 issue (Thanks to Endurance Geek for the heads up.)

image credit: Newscom