Fat map: largest genetic blueprint of obesity revealed

Scientists have uncovered more than 90 new gene regions that could help explain why some people are more likely to put on weight than others, the BBC reports.

The team scoured DNA libraries of more than 300,000 people, constructing the largest-ever genetic map of obesity.

Looking for consistent patterns they found a link with genes involved in brain processes, suggesting obesity could partly have a neurological basis.

The results are published in the journal Nature.

Researchers from the international Giant consortium (Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Trait), analysed the genetics behind body mass index (a ratio of weight and height).

And in a separate Nature paper they looked specifically at how genetics influence where fat is distributed around the body. Fat around the abdomen for example can cause more health problems than fat carried around the thighs.

Some 33 newly pinpointed gene regions were linked to body fat distribution - giving further clues about why some people are pear-shaped while others put on weight more around the tummy.

They also identified more than 60 genetic locations that influence body mass index - tripling the number previously known.

And some of these regions have links with the nervous system.

Prof Elizabeth Speliotes, of the University of Michigan and one of the lead authors, said this surprised her: "You don't go to your neurologist to discuss your weight - when we think about obesity we don't generally think of the nervous system.

"But this changes the way we think about obesity - rather than just a metabolic condition perhaps it has a neurological basis too."