Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a discovery that may explain both the difficulty some people have in burning calories and their propensity to eat more food. The work has been published in the journal Cell.

The study carried out by the team led by Sadaf Farooqi has demonstrated that several localised mutations in KSR2 lead to increased hunger and a slower basal metabolic rate in those carrying them. This means that people eat more and find it more difficult to control their weight.

The findings are the result of analysing the DNA of 2,000 severely obese patients and comparing it with 1,500 control individuals. Faroogi did this after finding in mice that manipulation of the KSR2 gene led to a large increase in obesity in these animals.

The breakthrough is clear because "until now, the genes that had been identified that were related to body weight largely affected appetite. KSR2 is different because it also plays a role in regulating how energy is used in the body," explains the coordinator of the study.

Eating according to genetics

Biosalud has extensive experience in the relationship between genetics and nutritional health. We are fully convinced of the link between our genes and our diet. That is why we have created several analyses to teach our patients to eat according to what is beneficial for their organism.

At Biosalud we consider it essential to know what is harmful to our patients' bodies. That is why we carry out an analysis of food intolerances. This study is very complete as it includes a total of 300 allergens, which will allow the person who so wishes to know all the foods to which he or she is allergic to be able to follow a diet excluding them.

On the other hand, Biosalud has created the FoodGen, an analysis that will allow us to provide our patients with dietary guidelines so that they eat according to their genetics.