Genetic Obesity News

June 1, 2020June 1, 2020

Study Links Variants in 3 Genes Involved in Energy Expenditure to Severe Obesity

Variations in the PPARGC1A, UCP1, and FNDC5 genes — involved in regulating the body’s energy expenditure — are linked to severe obesity, a recent study suggests. The study, “Genetic Variants ... Read more

May 28, 2020May 28, 2020

ALK Gene Could Be Key for Obesity Treatment

Genetic Obesity News

Targeting a gene called ALK may prevent weight gain and could lead to effective therapies to combat obesity, a large study in humans and animals suggests. The study, “Identification of ... Read more

May 21, 2020May 21, 2020

Gene Linked to Obesity, Diabetes Seen to Vary with Ethnicity in Study

Genetic Obesity News

Mutations in the gene coding for a protein called adiponectin are associated with a higher likelihood of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, this relationship varies with ethnicity, a study in India ... Read more

May 14, 2020May 15, 2020

Setmelanotide Given FDA Priority Review for POMC and LEPR Deficiency

COVID-19 News, Genetic Obesity News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted and given priority review to Rhythm Pharmaceuticals’ request that setmelanotide be approved to treat people with POMC deficiency and LEPR deficiency, two rare genetic ... Read more

May 7, 2020May 7, 2020

Genetic Predisposition May Boost Link Between Air Pollution and Obesity, Study Says

Genetic Obesity News

Air pollution may be associated with obesity and body fat percentage, according to a comprehensive new study from the United Kingdom. The link between certain air pollutants and obesity may ... Read more

April 24, 2020May 8, 2020

NORD Opens COVID-19 Financial Aid Program for Rare Disease Community

COVID-19 News, Genetic Obesity News

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has opened a financial assistance program for people in rare disease community who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Called ... Read more

April 23, 2020April 23, 2020

Ancient Genetic Adaptations May Explain Increased Risk of Obesity in Modern Kuwait

Genetic Obesity News

Evolutionary changes in the genome of ancient Kuwaitis that helped them survive extremely harsh environmental conditions and food scarcity in the Arabian Desert may make the modern Kuwait population — ... Read more

April 16, 2020April 16, 2020

Genetic Risk for Obesity Linked to Shorter Lifespan, Study Reports

Genetic Obesity News

Having a greater genetic likelihood for high blood pressure and obesity may correlate with a shorter lifespan, a large international study reports. This type of analysis could help identify those ... Read more

April 9, 2020April 9, 2020

New Model Can Estimate Gene-Environment Effects on Obesity Traits, Study Says

Genetic Obesity News

Researchers have developed a statistical model to better estimate how the interaction between genetic and environmental factors can affect obesity risk, potentially helping public health authorities to focus on specific ... Read more

April 8, 2020May 10, 2020

NORD’s Advice on COVID-19: You’re Stronger Than You Think

COVID-19 News, Genetic Obesity News

First, the bad news: If you’re one of the 30 million or so Americans with a rare disease, you probably have lower immunity to the novel coronavirus than most people. ... Read more

April 2, 2020April 2, 2020

Rhythm Seeks FDA Approval of Setmelanotide for POMC/LEPR Deficiency

Genetic Obesity News

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals is seeking approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lead candidate setmelanotide to treat POMC deficiency and LEPR deficiency, two rare genetic obesity disorders. Over the next two ... Read more

March 26, 2020March 26, 2020

Setmelanotide Receives FDA’s Orphan Drug Status for Alström Syndrome

Genetic Obesity News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug status to Rhythm Pharmaceuticals‘ setmelanotide for the treatment of people who have Alström syndrome, a rare genetic disorder of obesity. ... Read more

March 19, 2020March 21, 2020

SERPINE-1 May Help Predict Response to Gastric Sleeve Surgery, Study Suggests

Genetic Obesity News

Levels of a protein called SERPINE-1 and modifications in its gene may help predict the success of gastric sleeve surgery for obese patients seeking to lose weight and maintain their ... Read more

March 17, 2020March 21, 2020

FTO Gene Variants Increase Risk for Extreme Obesity, Brazilian Study Suggests

Genetic Obesity News

Two variants of the FTO gene are strongly associated with the risk of developing extreme obesity, a recent study conducted among the Brazilian population reports. The study, “Genetic variants in ... Read more

March 12, 2020March 21, 2020

APOA2 Gene Mutation Linked to Lower ‘Good’ Cholesterol Levels in Obesity

Genetic Obesity News

A variation in the apolipoprotein type 2 (APOA2) gene appears to specifically associate with low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or ‘good’ cholesterol, and low levels of a key protein, apolipoprotein ... Read more