Gene for female obesity found! Caused by gene mutation

Middle-aged women always feel that they have an extra layer of fat on their bodies. After one winter, they can no longer wear jeans. Such situations are very troublesome. If you also have a physique that is prone to gaining weight, perhaps you can blame your congenital genes. In a study, scientists analyzed DNA to identify genetic mutations that can cause obesity in both men and women, which will help further assess the causes of obesity and improve them.

MMP2 gene mutation in women

According to the British Telegraph, researchers from Maastricht University in the Netherlands tracked the weight gain and loss of more than 5,000 men and women for 10 years and then analyzed their DNA to find the genes that cause obesity. The research results found that the mutated version of the "MMP2" gene is particularly common in obese women, but not in men. Researcher Dr. Freek Bouwman said that at least 30% of women carry a damaged MMP2 gene, which means that the development of fat tissue will be accelerated, making the chance of weight gain of more than 1 stone (6.35 kg) 2.5 times higher.

The influence of FTO gene on male obesity

In men, the "FTO gene" is the key to obesity. Past studies have found that people with the FTO gene have a 70% increased risk of obesity; they are more likely to eat more high-calorie, high-sugar foods, with an average daily calorie intake increase of about 100 calories, and the chance of gaining 1 stone is about 2 times higher.

European Congress on Obesity held in LiverpoolThe reason why FTO and MPP2 genes differ in different sexes is mainly due to the influence of sex hormones; the results of this study will help to estimate who is prone to obesity in the future, but it does not mean that obesity can be attributed entirely to genes. Adjustments in diet and exercise can still reduce the impact of innate factors.