Childhood Obesity Linked to Missing DNA

Researchers report some children become obese due to a lack of a particular DNA strands which effects their hunger. British researchers looked at the DNA of 300 obese children looking for a deletion or extra copies of DNA strands. They believe these rare deletions of DNA may promote obesity in children. Dr. Sadaf Farooqi from Cambridge University said "That deletion, on chromosome 16, apparently causes trouble because it removes a gene that the brain needs to respond to the appetite-controlling hormone leptin". During the study, those children with a deletion on the 16th chromosome, "have a strong drive to eat" stated Farooqi.



Story Source: http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/health/Missing-DNA-promotes-childhood-obesity1260124577924

Picture Courtesy of: http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss_070921_fatkids/070921_fatkids_tease.300w.jpg