Explaining away weight problems as being the result of a slow metabolism may not be as empty an excuse as people often think.

Explaining away weight problems being the result of a slow metabolism may not be as empty an excuse as people often think.

Researchers have confirmed that mutations to the KSR2 gene can, in fact, cause the body’s fat-burning abilities to underperform.

That same defect could simultaneously be increasing appetites.

A group of scientists from the Institute of Metabolic Science, in Cambridge confirmed that a little less than 1 in 100 people are affected by that particular DNA corruption.

They also said that among them, most develop serious weight issues early in childhood.

The mutation was previously found in mice, and the Cambridge team confirmed its existence in humans by studying DNA specimens from over 2 thousand obese people.

Also revealed in their analysis was that the anomaly in the KSR2 gene creates insulin resistance, leading to the development of type-2 diabetes.

The findings provide hope that currently available medications could prove useful in curbing the altered gene’s harmful effects as well as leading to the development new treatments.

Said one of the scientists, “In the future, modulation of KSR2 may represent a useful therapeutic strategy for obesity and type-2 diabetes.”