How many of you have that one friend that eats anything they want, never goes to the gym and only puts on one ounce?
But if you eat one potato chip, you gain 5 pounds.
So unfair!
Well it turns out your friend may have their biological makeup to thank.
An international scientific team found a genetic variant that’s unique to thin people and may help some people stay slim.
It’s called the ALK gene.
The researchers say the ALK gene creates protein that’s involved with cell growth and it can be manipulated.
Scientist deleted the gene in tests on mice and fed some of them the equivalent of a McDonald’s diet.
The normal mice got obese but the ones without ALK remain skinny.
ALK inhibitors are used in cancer treatments already so scientists are hopeful this new discovery can lead to a new era in the fight against obesity.
Posted – 5.23.20