Gene Mutation Causes Uncontrolled Obesity

Not for these folks (above).

A single gene mutation stops neurons from sending appetite suppressing signals to the right part of the brain, resulting in uncontrolled gluttony and subsequent obesity, scientists from Georgetown University Medical Center reported in the journal Nature Medicine. The authors explained that their findings could lead to ways of turning on brain sensitivity to insulin and leptin, hormones that suppress appetite - for example, there might be a way of stimulating expression of that faulty gene.

The researchers found that the mutation in the Bdnf (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) gene undermines brain neurons' ability to pass insulin and leptin chemical signals through the brain. Their study involved mice.