Carriers of the gene obesity 8% happier than those who do not have it

group of Canadian researchers have found that carriers of the genetic mutation responsible for the development of obesity, 8% less likely to suffer major depressive disorder. "This is the first confirmed case in general propensity to depression due to heredity, - says Professor Meir - previous candidates did not stand the test, although statistics show that almost half of the depression is determined by genetics».

This is a gene that is caused by mutations in the protein FTO, some forms of which was significantly associated with the development of obesity, has been shown Meir and the other a few years ago. This gene is very active in the brain, which led scientists to think about his participation in the well-known connection between obesity and depression: one often stimulates another. Test this hypothesis, they were surprised to confirm this part - only in reverse!

Extensive research carried out not only in Canada but also in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, have covered 28 thousand. Man, and clearly showed that carriers of the mutated FTO gene have an 8% lower risk of developing depression. If the gene is present in two copies of a mutant for the 16%, irrespective of whether a person is suffering from obesity or not.

However, statistics show that in our society, people who are overweight is still more likely to suffer from depression. And become a fat man - does not automatically become a little happier.

via factroom.ru