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Cambridge Ideas: The Genetics of Obesity

Genetics and the brain play a key role in predisposing some people to obesity. In this Cambridge Ideas podcast, Catherine Carr looks at how biochemists and neuroscientists are working together to discover the triggers to weight gain. Professor Stephen O’Reilly of the Institute of Metabolic Science at Cambridge University describes how key genes can contribute to severe cases of obesity, while Dr Sadaf Farooqi a Senior Clinical Fellow at the University, recalls the eureka moment of singling out the first gene to be directly linked with obesity. Psychiatrist Paul Fletcher, meanwhile, considers how genetics can directly affect our feelings and behaviours around food.

The podcast can be accessed by clicking here.

Posted on 16/04/2009