The Skinny Gene
Jeff Stier, with the American Council on Science and Health, discusses the possibility of a “skinny gene” being used to help treat people with weight problems.
Scientists discovered in 2007 that gene responsible for fat formation in worms, fruit flies and mice. Researchers have been able to turn the gene on or off in some animals, causing their weight to fluctuate. Before you get your hopes up, Stier points out that we don’t know for sure whether the gene exists in humans. Even if it does, it could be years before the knowledge leads to any benefit for patients suffering from diabetes or other weight-related illnesses.
The Big “IF”
“If it does exist in humans,” says Stier, “Perhaps there is some hope that we can somehow manipulate that gene, and perhaps turn the dial a bit, and help us in terms of obesity and perhaps diabetes, but it’s not going to give you license to do what you want to do.”
In other words, even if scientists figure out how to use the so-called “skinny gene” to control a patient’s weight, it won’t be a cure-all. Eating right and getting the proper amount of exercise remain the best way to maintain a healthy body weight. Stier is cautious in his approach to the discovery, stating that science can provide some tools to help prevent obesity and weight gain, but there is no proverbial “silver bullet.”
Dr Kal’s Addendum:
Some people may have been lucky enough to be born with a “skinny” gene. I’m not one of them and maybe you aren’t either. So, what are you going to do? Give up? I hope not. You don’t need a “skinny” gene to be skinny. You just need to change your thinking and your behavior.
Lose weight permanently with my FREE weight loss plan, the Don’t Go Broke Weight Loss Plan.
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