Too Fat? Your 'Thrifty Gene' May Be To Blame

This article is about the fact that a certain gene can contribute to obesity. This gene possibly helped our ancestors survive because of famines long, long ago. There are ways to target this gene, which can help solve the global obesity pandemic. Mice who lacked the gene could eat a high-fat diet without gaining weight. For some reason, the gene effects Mexican Americans more than White Americans. The gene works by slowing down the rate at which fat cells are burned. When animals without the gene are fed the high-fat diet, they watch their brothers and sisters with the gene develop diseases such as diabetes and become obese, while the animals without the gene don't develop anything. People can be tested for the gene to see how likely they are to become obese and develop obesity-related diseases.

It's probably a relief to most people that they have someone other than themselves to blame for their obesity. It is nice to know that it's not always just what we do that makes us fat. I've always wondered why some lucky individuals can eat as much they want and not gain a pound but then others have to watch what they eat and exercise excessively in order to maintain a healthy body weight. However, I'm afraid the knowledge of this gene will simply serve as an excuse for people to become obese. They might think, "Oh, it's in my genetic makeup. There's no way I can stop it," and they will let themselves become obese. I think people can still at least try to lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight, by eating a healthy diet and moderate exercise.