Resistance to weight gain may be in genes

Why do some people stay thin, no matter what or how much they eat? The answer may be in their genes. Studies have found genes that make people more likely to become overweight or obese. But genes may also keep people from gaining too much weight. Either being too heavy or too thin can cause serious health problems. Reseasrchers have found a gene that helps control how our bodies use energy (calories from food). Changes that reduce the activity of this gene cause extreme weight gain. Vanderbilt researchers want to find out if other changes (mutations) that increase its activity can cause a person to be underweight. Using BioVU samples, researchers are looking for mutations in this gene in people who are underweight. The results may provide clues about how to prevent obesity.