Always Hungry? Nothing Else to Blame but the Newly-Discovered Hungry Gene

Scientists have discovered a possible reason why some people get hungrier more frequently than others and why they find it more difficult to shed the pounds, according to Daily Mail.

Researchers from the Cambridge University have identified a possible genetic root to a person's insatiable appetite and slow metabolism. The gene, called KSR2, was found among patients who were hungrier and burned less calories than those with a normal copy of the same gene, according to BBC News. "Changes in diet and levels of physical activity underlie the recent increase in obesity", said Dr. Sadaf Farooqi of Cambridge University. "However, some people gain weight more easily than others. This variation between people is largely influenced by genetic factors."

This new discovery demonstrates that genes can directly contribute to obesity by reducing one's metabolic rate or how well the body burns calories. Dr. Farooqi said that this new discovery can possibly provide clues to how obesity develops among children and how new treatments for type II diabetes and other conditions may also be created.

The study which was published in the journal Cell also found that the diabetes drug metformin helped correct the low levels of fatty acid oxidation in cells with the KSR2 gene. This discovery suggests that metformin could possibly become an effective treatment in the future. 'This work adds to a growing body of evidence that genes play a major role in influencing a person's weight and may be useful for developing new ways to treat people who are heavy and develop diabetes.' Dr Farooqi added. 

Several years ago, a different gene that was stops people from feeling full and from craving sugary foods was discovered. The gene which was carried by more than half of the entire population prevents a drop in the hunger hormone ghrelin after consuming food.