British Scientists Find Fat Gene

British scientists have for the first time identified a gene that contributes to garden-variety obesity, supporting ancient anecdotal evidence that birthright, not just lifestyle, shapes stomachs.  Although they can't say exactly how the gene, called FTO, works, the 16% of white Europeans carrying two "fat" variations of it are 70% more likely to be obese.

Most subjects carry one "fat" FTO and one "normal" FTO, increasing their chance of obesity by 30%. The scientists, who studied FTO in 37,000 people after noticing it during their type-two diabetes research, are quick to qualify their findings: “This is not a gene for obesity, it is a gene that contributes to risk.” (More genetics stories.)