New gene mutation discovered in children in obesity research

Antje Körner in the research lab. Photo: Swen Reichhold / University of Leipzig - A research team at the University of Leipzig Medical School has discovered a new mechanism associated with severe childhood obesity. A genetic alteration leads to an unusual expression of a gene related to the control of the feeling of hunger. Until now, this alteration has not been detected with general genetic diagnostics in obesity. The important findings were published in the renowned journal Nature Metabolism. Obesity and resulting diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide. The causes of obesity are not yet fully understood.