Reports: Obesity largely controlled by brain

Two studies independently confirm that obesity is largely controlled by the mind and the brain plays a dominant role in controlling one’s appetite.

The Icelandic company deCODE Genetics and an international team from the Giant consortium were able to identify seven gene variants in the brain that seems to have a significant effect on obesity. The researchers from both teams took thousands of DNA samples and found these seven genes were present active in their brains. Each gene variant by itself has a tiny influence on one’s weight but together they added weight about 1.5 to 2.0 kilograms (3.3 to 4.4 pounds) more than the average person. The researchers claim these seven gene variants have more influence on the weight of an individual than other genetic variations present in the body that alters the body fat. Researcher Dr Kari Stefansson, of deCODE Genetics told BBC:

This suggests that as we work to develop better means of combating obesity, we need to focus on the regulation of appetite at least as much as on the metabolic factors of how the body uses and stores energy.

Dr. Alan Guttmacher of the US National Human Genome Research Institute praised this research and said it will be help us understand how the human body regulates weight. But others, like Peter Weissberg from the British Heart Foundation, expressed caution. He said although this study helps us understand the genetic influence on the weight, but it couldn’t be the main reason for obesity. The gene variants have existed in the human body for centuries but only now obesity seems to be an epidemic of sorts. Both the studies are published in the upcoming issue of the journal Nature Genetics.