Chinese scientists identify gene that may help protect against obesity
- A type of mitochondrial DNA found in southern China and Southeast Asia may help keep obesity rates down, researchers say
Obesity is linked to several other serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. As medical research develops, our understanding of obesity and its implications is increasing.
China still has one of the lowest rates in the world despite its rapid economic development.
A 2022 study published in The Lancet ranked Chinese women 190th globally in terms of obesity prevalence, and Chinese men 149th.
While factors such as diet and levels of development are obviously important, a recent study led by Professor Jin Li and Associate Professor Zheng Hongxiang from Fudan University suggests genetics may also be a factor.
The team analysed 2,877 samples from three independent populations in the southwestern region of Guangxi, the eastern province of Jiangsu and Henan in central China for the study, which was published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Genetics and Genomics.
It identified a type of mitochondrial DNA known to be prevalent in southern China and Southeast Asia that appears to act as a protective factor against obesity.
