Weight loss unlocked? Discovery of gene mutation could help control appetite and lower obesity, researchers say

Researchers have discovered a gene variant that could be key in managing body weight and potentially fighting obesity. Known as the ZFHX3 gene mutation, it's quite rare, found in only 4% of people, and it seems to control the brain's signals for hunger and thirst. Teams from Nottingham Trent University and the MRC Harwell institute in the UK found that this gene affects the hypothalamus, a brain area that regulates appetite.

Dr. Rebecca Dumbell, a researcher at Nottingham Trent University, explained that this is the first time they've shown how this gene can change growth and energy balance. She believes that understanding the gene's function could lead to new ways to help people lose weight. The study observed mice with the ZFHX3 mutation and noted they ate less, were shorter, and had lower levels of insulin and leptin, which are important for controlling weight.

The research suggests that the gene could be part of the reason why some people naturally eat less and have an easier time following diets. Dr. Dumbell's future work will focus on how the ZFHX3 gene operates in crucial brain areas to influence eating habits and metabolism. This could help explain why maintaining a healthy weight is more challenging for some individuals. For updates on this research, you can follow lifestyle news on various social media platforms or subscribe to newsletters.