Some people with severe obesity may be, at least in part, victims of their genes, researchers revealed last night.
The British researchers say the genetic mutation is "relatively rare" – but it means that affected people genuinely do have a slow metabolism.
The findings come from a study of a gene KSR2, which had been found to prevent obesity in mice.
The Cambridge University researchers studied more than 2,000 severely obese people and found a range of mutations in the gene.
They say that many of the mutations reduce the ability of cells to use glucose and fat.
The researchers also found that many of the obese people had an "increased drive" to eat when they were children – but also a reduced ability to burn up the energy they consumed.
The findings were published in the journal Cell.
Researcher Professor Sadaf Farooqi said that tackling the problems caused by the gene might well provide treatments for some people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
He said: “Up until now, the genes we have identified that control body weight have largely affected appetite.
"However, KSR2 is different in that it also plays a role in regulating how energy is used in the body."
KSR2 Mutations Are Associated with Obesity, Insulin Resistance and Impaired Cellular Fuel Oxidation. Cell 24 November 2013
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