Scientists identify gene that regulates body weight in humans, mice

Research has pointed to the importance of genetic factors in human obesity and has shown that heritability plays a role in 40 percent to 90 percent of cases. Now investigators have found that loss of a particular gene's function in humans and mice causes morbid obesity. The study of a morbidly obese family provides insights into pathways that control body weight and nutritional status, and the results could be useful for designing therapies for obesity and malnutrition.

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