Author Interviews, BMJ, Genetic Research, Weight Research / 19.09.2016
FTO Gene Make Obesity More Likely But Doesn’t Prevent Weight Loss
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Prof. John C. Mathers
Director, Human Nutrition Research Centre
Institute of Cellular Medicine and
Newcastle University Institute for Ageing
Newcastle University
Biomedical Research Building
Campus for Ageing and Vitality
Newcastle on Tyne
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: More than 90 different genetics variants are associated with body fatness and, of these, the FTO gene has the biggest effect. People who are homozygous for the unusual variant of FTO i.e. carry two copies of the risk allele, are on average 3kg heavier than those not carrying the risk allele. In addition, they have 70% greater risk of being obese. Since the FTO gene is associated with being heavier, we wondered whether it made it more difficult for people to lose weight.
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