Body weight is “largely influenced” by genes, according to the largest-ever study of its kind. Researchers concluded that slim people won the genetic lottery, while obese people have the deck stacked against them from birth. The study by Cambridge University aimed to determine why some people manage to stay thin with little effort, while others gain weight easily despite similar lifestyles. While there are several environmental factors that contribute to the rise in obesity in recent years – such as a high-calorie diet and lack of exercise – the team found there is still a significant variation in weight within a population that shares the same environment. Previous studies of twins have found that their differing body weight was largely influenced by their genes. It’s also been previously determined that genes can increase a person’s chance of being overweight, and in some people increases their chances of being obese from a young age. Also on … [Read more...] about ‘Genetic dice loaded against them’: Fat people rolled poor genes, concludes largest-ever study
Genetic risk score
New screening method to help identify babies at risk of diabetes
By Rod Minchin, Press Association A new way of screening babies and adults for future risk of type 1 diabetes will be much more effective at identifying the condition than current methods, new research has concluded. Scientists have developed a new risk score which takes into account detailed genetic information known to increase the chances of type 1 diabetes. This could be used to help identity babies at highest risk of developing the condition in the future. The score may also be used at the time of diabetes diagnosis to help decide if someone has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, which need very different treatments. Researchers at the University of Exeter and the Pacific Northwest Research Institute in Seattle found that their new risk score, the T1DGRS2, was nearly twice as efficient at identifying babies at high risk of type 1 diabetes as existing methods, which use more simplistic measures. The study found the new test was also better at predicting type 1 diabetes in adults in the … [Read more...] about New screening method to help identify babies at risk of diabetes
High blood pressure BREAKTHROUGH: Risk could be cut by this £1.30 pill
HIGH blood pressure is one of the most common health concerns in Britain. Scientists believe that taking this pill could cut risk for some patients. By Sophie Roberts / Published 18th September 2018 High blood pressure affects 25% off the British population.The common condition, which is also known as hypertension, increases patients’ heart attack and stroke risk.For this reason, doctors have been looking into ways they can alleviate symptoms.Some believe that taking a £1.30 diabetes pill every day could help millions of people in the UK. Related Articles Coconut oil WARNING: Health expert reveals why 'healthy' food is 'worse than lard' Energy drinks ban: Shocking caffeine content of Britain's favourite products REVEALED What is YOUR heart age? Take this quick quiz to find out your stroke risk Queen Mary University and Imperial College London recently collaborated on a study.Scientists analysed DNA from 500,000 Brits, before identifying who was most … [Read more...] about High blood pressure BREAKTHROUGH: Risk could be cut by this £1.30 pill
World’s biggest blood pressure genetics study ‘most major advance to date’
News by Press Association 17/09/2018, 4:00 pm FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail Send us a story Sign up to our Daily newsletter DNA samples from more than one million people have helped scientists identify 500 new gene regions influencing blood pressure. The British-led global study, the biggest of its kind ever conducted, increases the number of known genetic regulators of blood pressure to more than 1,000. Scientists can now explain almost a third of the heritable risk factors for high blood pressure, or hypertension. Understanding the genetic causes of high blood pressure could potentially prevent thousands of heart attacks and strokes in the UK each year, according to the British Heart Foundation. Lead researcher Professor Mark Caulfield, from Queen Mary, University of London, said: “This is the most major advance in blood pressure genetics to date. “We now know that there are over 1,000 genetic signals which influence our blood pressure. This … [Read more...] about World’s biggest blood pressure genetics study ‘most major advance to date’
Five million Brits have TRIPLE the normal risk of heart attack despite displaying NO warning symptoms
FIVE million Brits have at least triple the normal risk of having a heart attack even though they have no warning symptoms, a shocking study has revealed. Millions of other people are also at a much higher risk of conditions including bowel disease, breast cancer and type 2 diabetes, due to their genetics, the study found. But because they show no warning signs they are unlikely to be unaware they suffer from an increased risk. The scientists behind the research, which was published in the journal Nature Genetics, said they hoped everyone could be given a “heart attack score” from birth that would tell their chances of suffering a heart condition on their basis of their genetics alone. Coronary heart disease is the number one cause leading to death worldwide. In the UK alone it is responsible for 66,000 deaths every year. Being aware of which people are at great risk could mean doctors could take steps earlier to take counter measures, such as prescribing statins or telling … [Read more...] about Five million Brits have TRIPLE the normal risk of heart attack despite displaying NO warning symptoms