According to Science Daily, today, there was an post regarding those who are obese and a linkage to a mutation in the K2R2 gene. The K2R2 gene has been identified as the gene responsible for an increase in appetite and a slower metabolism than those with a normal copy of the gene. Researchers would believe that this is the cause for the increasing number of children battling obesity.
Here, they conclude that knowing this is the gene responsible for the characteristics listed above, they can synthesize a drug that can work as treatment for those with the mutation. The idea is based off of metformin, a drug for diabetes that has effectively reduced levels of fatty acid oxidation (see article for more detail).
Questions to ponder, would you consider this a new diet pill?! Could there be any disadvantages to taking the pill, and if so, what are the crazy things you can think of?!
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