Scientists discover obesity gene!
Garvan Diabetes and Obesity researchers have discovered a gene that
may explain why some people put on fat a lot easier than others.
This research recently published in the prestigious Journal of Clinical
Investigation, demonstrates that mice lacking a gene called c-cbl have
a similar body weight to normal mice yet possess significantly less fat
despite eating the equivalent of an extra meal each day.
These effects are driven by the c-cbl mouse having more efficient
skeletal muscle, therefore excess nutrients that would normally be
stored as fat are diverted and used as energy. As a result, these mice
have a higher core body temperature and lower amounts of the
circulating fatty acids meaning their insulin action is enhanced and
risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is reduced.
