Aug 2, 2008 5:39 pm US/Pacific
Hunger Gene Discovered In Children
LONDON (CBS) ―
British researchers have made a genetic discovery which could help to solve the obesity epidemic. Scientists found that some children may be genetically predisposed to eat more, and therefore more likely to become overweight.
In the study of more than 3,000 eight to eleven year olds, they found kids with a particular strain of a gene already linked to obesity - couldn't tell when they were full, and therefore were likely to eat more than children without that gene.
"It is genuinely much more difficult for them to regulate their food intake appropriately," explained Professor Jane Wardle of University College London.
This research could be critical in helping curb the obesity epidemic. Future testing could identify children with the particular gene strain. A drug could help them feel full, or adults could help them control their portions."
"You still want to address it from a very healthy perspective and try to change the things you have control over - keeping in mind the things you do not," said nutritionist Tara Miller.
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