Fat Gene - Is Your Weight Gain Caused By Genes?
MTHFR, SSAT, Genes Cause Tummy Fat
- Reporter: Vassil Malandris
- Broadcast Date: October 02, 2009
- Today Tonight
Tackling the obesity crisis is a complex soltuion with no easy solution, but a simple test and a natural supplement may be all that is needed to shed the kilos.
Australian researchers have managed to find a way of controlling a gene that causes weight gain and it's a fat gene most of us don't even know we have.
Adelaide GP Dr. Peter Turnbridge says up to half the population, that's ten million people, could be unknowingly carrying a genetic defect which can cause weight gain.
"It's called the MTHFR gene polymorphism and the actual problem that occurs is that these people can't change naturally occurring folic acid into the active form that the body requires to carry out its biochemistry," said Dr. Turnbridge.
As a result people with the faulty gene store fat instead of burning it off. It's also been linked to chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and depression.
After Kay Stark went on a course of anti-depressants to treat a nervous breakdown she found she gained gained weight; and the weight stayed on.
"I'm diagnosed as suffering from chronic depression as a result of my experiences as a teacher," Stark said.
Dr. Turnbridge recommended a simple blood test to screen for the defective gene.
"I had the blood test and then he said that I have this part gene and it would be suitable for me to follow a certain diet plan and take the medication," Stark said.
That medication included a little known pill available on prescription from your GP or naturopath. It's called floinic acid.
Integrative medicine expert, Dr. Tania Ash: "It is in a capsule form, you take it as a once a day daily supplement. At this point of time we would recommend it as ongoing treatment."
Dr Ash prescribed a course of folinic acid to patient Graham Little. Just 500 micrograms a day appears to have helped him shed eleven kilos in two months.
"My weight was exploding, and it's managed to curb that issue completely and yeah, I recommend it," Little said.
"He's reported that his energy levels are the best they've ever been for years he's got excellent mood stability now he doesn't have the mood swings that he used to have before he came to see me," Dr. Ash said. "So if you can add something back into their diet which is very simple and safe to do which will help that process then that's a massive step for that group of people."
While it's too early to tell whether this natural supplement can stop the obesity epidemic, Dr. Turnbridge's results are quite promising. 5000 of his patients displaying the gene deficiency reported an average weight loss of 6-12 kilograms on a high protein and fish diet (which includes the folinic acid supplement).
While being overweight didn't overly concern Kay Stark, she says she now feels a lot fitter.
"Oh yes, I get out of bed. For a time in my life it was very difficult to do that, but I do get out of bed with a spring and think I'm going to be doing things today. That's good."
Dr. Turnbridge is presenting his groundbreaking research at an Australian anti-ageing conference this weekend.
The Folinic acid will only be useful for weight loss if you have the gene. You need to obtain a blood test first to see if you have the defective MTHFR gene (it's a blood test not yet covered on the PBS).
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