Scottsdale – There could be a genetic cause of some people’s obesity. According to new study findings, seven in every thousand morbidly obese people are missing a part of their DNA, containing approximately 30 genes. It is possible that such genes may be important in regulating your weight.

The researchers did not find these genetic variations in any normal weight people. In the UK, there are an estimated 700,000 morbidly obese people, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 40. The researchers believe that weight problems of one in twenty morbidly obese people are due to known genetic variations, including mutations and missing DNA.

Many more similar obesity causing DNA mutations, such as the one in this study, remain to be found, says the study team. The next step in this research will be to determine the function of the missing genes.

Previous studies have suggested that some of the genes may be associated with delayed development, autism and schizophrenia. The researchers plan to investigate the possible links between these conditions and obesity. (Source: ScienceDaily.com)