A gene appears to be associated with overweight and obesity in psychiatric patients, as well as the general population, according to a report published by JAMA Psychiatry.
The CRTC1 gene is involved in obesity and energy balance in animals, but its role in human obesity is unknown.
Eva Choong, Pharm.D., Ph.D., of the Lausanne University Hospital, Prilly, Switzerland, and colleagues examined whether different forms within the CRTC1 gene are associated with fat markers in psychiatric patients and the general population. Their analysis looked for differences in body mass index (BMI) and/or fat mass between CRTC1 genotype groups.
The association of three CRTC1 markers with BMI, with fat mass, or both, was examined in a group of psychiatric outpatients taking weight gain-inducing psychotropic drugs. The CRTC1 variant associated with BMI was then replicated in two independent psychiatric samples.
ÛÏThese findings suggest that CRTC1 contributes to the genetics of human obesity in psychiatric patients and the general population. Identification of high-risk subjects could contribute to a better individualization of the pharmacological treatment in psychiatry,Û the study notes.
ÛÏOur results suggest that CRTC1 plays an important role in the high prevalence of overweight and obesity observed in psychiatric patients. Besides, CRTC1 could play a role in the genetics of obesity in the general population, thereby increasing our understanding of the multiple mechanisms influencing obesity. Finally, the strong associations of CRTC1 variants with being fat in women younger than 45 years support further research on the interrelationship between that and the reproductive function,Û the study concludes.
Not sure where to tell you to go with this one. As it was a psychiatric study, it would seem to isolate that population as perhaps having the gene. Is the assumption then that others could have it too? Not sure but what I do know is that whether you have it or not, you can still control your fate. Don’t use some predisposition to relegate your thinking so that you take no action for your overall health. Your fate is in your hands.