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*** This Article is Written by Sneha Mukkavilli.
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A gene is a specific segment of DNA which codes for a protein. The protein which is created affects the physical, functional and metabolic qualities that you have. Different variations in genes lead to different proteins produced.
Weight gain can be influenced by genetic factors. Scientists have found around 200-500 genes that are linked to obesity. Some of these include the following:
- MC4R - Impacts appetite and metabolism.
- LEPR - Helps regulate food intake and metabolism.
- FTO - Affects BMI and appetite.
- PPARG - Affects the storage of fat and metabolism
MC4R
MC4R plays an important role in the hypothalamus, a region in the brain which regulates homoeostasis, food consumption and body weight. A mutation in MC4R is very common and is seen in between 1%-6% of obesity cases.
LEPR
The LEPR gene codes for the leptin protein which has a part in storing fat. The more fat that accumulates in your body’s fat cells, the more leptin produced. As well as this, the production of leptin regulates your hunger by balancing energy levels so you don’t feel hungry when your body doesn’t need energy. Thus, mutations in this gene can affect body weight.
FTO
The presence of FTO variations can cause being hungry frequently, having less control over the quantity of food eaten and a greater tendency to store body fat. It is more commonly found in people with a European background but is a focus of current research for the development of a drug which can manage the activity of FTO.
PPARG
PPARG gene plays a part in storage of fats as well as the metabolism of food. Hence, a mutation in this gene can lead to obesity.
Throughout life, the exposure to different environments can influence the expression of specific genes linked to weight gain and obesity. Weight gain is linked to Type 2 Diabetes, so the presence of the genes listed above can indirectly cause Type 2 Diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes may also be related to mutations in the genes so it is likely that you along with other members in your family get diagnosed with it. Genes that increase your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes include ones that affect the production of glucose and insulin, as well as the sensing of glucose levels in the blood.
Specifically, scientists have found the following genes to be involved in initiating Type 2 Diabetes:
- TCF7L2 - affects insulin production
- ABCC8 - regulates insulin levels
- GLUT2 - helps glucose move into the pancreas
- GCCR - affects glucose levels
TCF7L2
A mutation in TCF7L2 can affect the way the body produces insulin, a hormone which regulates blood sugar levels. Since the body can’t manage the blood sugar levels properly, it can lead to type 2 diabetes.
ABCC8
An irregularity in the ABCC8 gene alters the way insulin is released from the pancreas. This makes it more difficult to lower blood sugar levels.
GLUT2
GLUT2 allows excess blood sugar to be taken up by the body’s cells. Mutations in GLUT2 result in excess sugar to be in the bloodstream increasing the risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
GCCR
The GCCR gene controls how your body reacts to the release of cortisol, a hormone which is released during times of stress. A mutation in this gene can result in high blood sugar levels.
Though the increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes for each mutation is low, genetic testing for Type 2 Diabetes can help you stay aware of the extra precautions you may need to take to reduce your chances of developing it.
How Does Genetic Testing Work?
Genetic testing for weight gain can help you identify your chances or risk of getting obese, how well your metabolism is, how you regulate glucose levels, and whether you are sensitive to caffeine.
Genetic testing is an extensive process. After ordering the test, you will collect a mouth swab and send it back to the testing center. The center will be able to read specific gene sequences and compare them to the normal gene to create a risk assessment specific to you. You can order a genetic test from www.letsmoderate.com with this link: https://letsmoderate.com/products/advanced-genetic-test-obesity.
Resources:
- https://obesitymedicine.org/blog/obesity-and-genetics/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/genetics#risk-factors
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22446-leptin#:~:text=What%20is%20leptin%3F,of%20satiety%20(feeling%20full)
- https://learn.mapmygenome.in/diabetes/tcf7l2
- https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/70/6/1220/137694/The-Role-of-TCF7L2-in-Type-2-Diabetes
- https://academic.oup.com/hmg/article/23/24/6419/605889?login=false
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325611529_Gene_expression_changes_in_GLUT2_and_type_2_diabetes
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https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/abcc8/
