Scientists Discover “Fat Gene” In Mice, Hope To Create Drugs For Humans

Scientists has discovered a genetic mutation in mice that causes them to overeat. Researchers are now hopeful that the discovery will allow them to find new ways to fight fat in humans.

When we eat food certain hormones such as leptin and insulin are responsible for telling our brain when we are full and to stop eating, unfortunately a mutation in mice caused them to lose that message, eating 80% more food than normal mice.

One researcher tells the BBC:

“If there is a problem with the BDNF gene, neurons can’t talk to each other, and the leptin and insulin signals are ineffective, and appetite is not modified.”

With this new discover the hope is that researchers can develop new drugs that target the BDNF gene and help eaters feel full more quickly, ultimately leading to weight loss.

It should be noted that this particular mutation is rarely seen in humans, however the discover of why some people gain weight can definitely give insight into other potential causes of weight gain in certain individuals.

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