Study identifies genes linked to obesity

In a massive worldwide study to understand the genetic basis of obesity, scientists have identified 97 genetic markers strongly associated with influencing body mass index, a common index to measure obesity.

It was known that 40 per cent to 70 per cent of the difference in body mass index (BMI) in the population could be attributed to genetic factors, but most of the genetic variability was still unexplained, says Dale Nyholt, one of the researchers, according to a report published online in Medical Xpress. "These analyses pointed to particular genes and biological pathways that affect BMI,” says the report.   

The results of the study could provide new insights into weight-loss therapies and help prevent metabolic-associated diseases.
Genetic data of 340,000 people was analysed in the study in which 483 scientists participated from 363 research centres across the world. The findings were published online in Nature on February 11.