Do these genes make me look fat?

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A very rare genetic anomaly may be responsible for certain cases of obesity, suggests a study published Sunday in the journal Nature.

The research found that people with deletions involving a specific gene had a “strong drive to eat’ and packed on the pounds easily.

But don’t start blaming love handles on your DNA just yet – this study involved children who were dealing with severe obesity, about 220 pounds by age 10. Moreover, this particular genetic anomaly is so rare, it accounts for a tiny number of cases.
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention point out, most people gain or lose weight based on a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors and individual habits. Some of the best weapons against it include a healthy diet and regular exercise.

-- Amina Khan