Slow Metabolism? Science Shows Mocked 'Excuse' Caused by a Gene

While many have mocked excuses about being born with a slow metabolism, new research shows that it just might be true for some. 

According to researchers from the University of Cambridge, they found that mutated DNA does indeed slow metabolism.

Researchers actually found that one in 100 people are affected, and this can result in severe obesity during the childhood years.

Scientists at the Institute of Metabolic Science in Cambridge found that mice born without a section of DNA, a gene called KSR2, gained weight more easily. However, they did not know what affect it could have on people. Therefore, they analyzed the DNA of 2,101 severely obese patients.

This gene is active in the brain and can affect the way individual cells interpret signals, such as the hormone insulin in the blood. This, in turn, may affect how the body burns calories and alters the metabolism.

While some showed mutated versions of KSR2, they also had a twin effect of increasing their appetite while also slowing their metabolism.

Some had mutated versions of KSR2.

It had a twin effect of increasing their appetite with their slowing metabolism.

"You would be hungry and wanting to eat a lot, you would not want to move because of a slower metabolism and would probably also develop type 2 diabetes at a young age," lead researcher Prof Sadaf Farooqi said, via the BBC. "It slows the ability to burn calories and that's important as it's a new explanation for obesity."

He added: "In the future, modulation of KSR2 may represent a useful therapeutic strategy for obesity and type 2 diabetes."

What do you think?

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Cell.