Overeating Could Be Due To Lack Of Brain Chemical Caused By Faulty Gene

Using genetically altered mice, scientists in the US have shown that lack of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in certain parts of the brain, leads to overreating and may be a contributing factor to the rising obesity epidemic. The researchers said the study is relevant to humans because, for instance, a quarter of Americans are estimated to carry the mutated form of the BDNF gene. [click link for full article]

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Filed under: Neurology / Neuroscience on December 31st, 2007