STOCKHOLM, Sep 7, 2001 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Researchers with the Swedish Institute of Medical Genes have found genes capable of preventing humans from becoming overweight, the Swedish paper Goteborg Post reported Friday.

The genes, known as FOXC 2, are found to be present in humans and mice. Through studies on and experiments with mice, a research group led by professor Sven Enerbaeck found that mice with modified FOXC 2 genes are apparently lighter in weight than their normal cousins.

This is probably because mice with modified FOXC 2 genes are capable of transforming nourishment into muscle rather than fat. These mice will equal their normal counterparts in weight only after their food intake is increased, researchers said.

Researchers have also found that mice with modified genes have lower blood fat content than normal species, and their sensitivity to insulin is much lower than the latter. In other words, when fed with equal amounts of sugar, mice with modified genes will produce less insulin in their bodies than the latter.

Professor Enerbaeck said he believes these genes would have similar effect on humans.

From Healthy.net