Childhood obesity is harmful, early detection and early treatment are necessary

China Science and Technology News Network, December 26 (Xu Qiqi) According to Science and Technology Daily, a paper published in the British journal Nature Metabolism recently reported a new genetic mechanism related to severe childhood obesity. This is a gene rearrangement caused by abnormal expression of a gene related to hunger control, which cannot be detected by most conventional genetic tests for obesity.

Currently, the obesity rate among children is on a continuous upward trend. Childhood obesity is common in infancy, preschool age and adolescence, and is mainly caused by genetic and environmental factors.

Obesity is one of the phenotypes of several genetic syndromes, including Prader-Willi syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and Bard-Biedel syndrome. Many genes and chromosomal regions are associated with human obesity. Currently, the genes that are known to play an important role in human weight control include leptin, leptin receptor-proopiomelanocortin, transcription factor homologue, prohormone converting enzyme 1, melanocortin receptor 3 and 4, etc. In addition, improper diet structure, overeating, lack of exercise, endocrine disorders, etc. may all lead to childhood obesity.

The new study shows that childhood obesity may be linked to a specific gene called agouti signaling protein (ASIP), which is expressed at high levels in cells that don't normally express it. ASIP inhibits the activation of melanocortin receptor 4, which stimulates feelings of fullness or hunger.

Childhood obesity may lead to many problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, liver disease, etc. It is recommended to cultivate good eating habits for children from an early age and let them exercise properly. If the child's weight is abnormal, seek medical treatment and professional help in time.