A Gene that contributes to being overweight

A couple posts back, I referenced a gene that may have something to do with why some individuals are a bit different from the rest of the world in terms of their sleep schedules.

Well, on the subject of genetics, a gene that contributes to obesity has been found (for those who always believed that being overweight involved more than simply one's diet habits, feel free to say Aha!, I knew it!).

According to British scientists, about 15 percent of people have a genetic profile that makes them vulnerable to obesity. And these same individuals have an extra 15 percent body fat.

Finding an inherited basis for being overweight may be the first step on the road to developing gene therapy for obesity. Obesity is a primary contributor to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer.

How bad is Chinese restaurant food for you?

You know, I like chinese food as much as anyone (though, I have to admit, the quality of takeout varies and finding a good buffet can be a shot in the dark). But I've sometimes wondered to myself as I devoured my large serving of General Tso's chicken or Shrimp Lo Mein, "How healthy (or unhealthy) is this stuff?".

Last month, a story come out in the associated press that indicated just how bad the answer (and unfortunately the food) may be.

A plate of General Tso's has more than half the calories you need for an entire day! According to Bonnie Liebman, of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Americans need to cut back on calories and on salt consumption. But that's exactly what you get too much of with chinese restaurant food.

However, having said that, Mexican and Italian restaurants are even worse and the food they feature tends to be high in saturated fat which is an ingredient for heart problems.

Of course, I don't think anyone has ever tried to make the argument that chinese take out or buffet food could be confused with health food of any stripe. And I would never rule it completely out of my meal choices. But moderation is probably warranted and this is true for most restaurant food. In fact, it was only a few weeks ago that an article (I forget the publication) pointed out that the majority of restaurant food was amazingly overboard in terms of calories and saturated fat content. And this, sad to say was even true for food that was presented as diet and weight loss food.

Sleeping Patterns may be based on Genetics - Night Owl Gene is discovered

If your sleep cycle is at odds with the rest of the world, you're bound to have trouble. Not only will you be out of sync with family and friends, you'll also be out of kilter with the the majority of occupational work schedules. Without a doubt, this can lead to a life less satisfying on a number of different levels.

But according to Science Journal, there may be a reason why some people are perpetual night owls. And the reason may be in the genes of such individuals. Apparently, an altered gene, called AFH or the after-hours gene, may be responsible for night owl syndrome.

It's interesting that, more and more, science is providing medical reasons for conditions that are, all too often, thought to be the result of poor habits or personal deficiencies. Bipolar disorder is certainly one of those conditions that is increasingly better understood. And so is fibromyalgia. Amazingly, it wasn't even that long ago, that rheumatoid arthritis was not recognized as a valid medical impairment.

On the subject of sleep cycles, this information may be useful: Melatonin