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Obesity gene makes obese people happier
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Scientists from McMaster University have found scientific evidence of why overweight people are often kind and happier than their thin counterparts. As it turns out, this is not just a stereotype, but a genetically determined fact.
Canadian scientists have found another obesity gene, but this one stands out because its presence reduces the risk of depression. In addition to the newly discovered gene, there is also a happiness gene. However, the new discovery challenges the common belief that obese people become depressed because they are overweight.
The results of the work of Canadian scientists are presented on the pages of the journal “Molecular Psychiatry”.
The FTO gene is known to scientists as one of the causes of predisposition to obesity. However, it is worth noting that this gene is present in all people, we are talking specifically about one of its forms, which geneticists designate "FTO rs9939609 A".
People who are prone to depression can change their usual diet and lead a more active lifestyle, which will help to avoid depressive states that lead to excess weight.
A team led by Dr David Maire took a different approach, building on the idea that obesity and depression are linked to brain activity. They hypothesized that obesity genes might be closely linked to depression.
The study involved 17,200 people from 21 countries, whose DNA samples were analyzed by specialists. The mental and genetic state of the subjects was also studied. As a result, it turned out that the presence of FTO rs9939609 A reduces the risk of developing depression by 8%. However, despite this, the presence of this genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of excess fat deposition by 30%.
The experts' conclusions are based on a study of this gene in people of different nationalities, so the effect does not affect people of a specific area or nationality.
The FTO gene is expressed not only in the brain, but also in the pancreas, kidneys, ovaries, and almost all cells. It has many functions. Scientists continue to monitor the participants and may be able to discover the molecular prerequisites for the development of depression.