'Fat gene' may lead to a thin pill

...People with two copies of the genetic variant – about 16 per cent of all Europeans – were on average 3kg (6.6lbs) heavier than those without it.

In this latest study, scientists bred mice with extra copies of the FTO gene. They found that the test mice, although healthy, ate more and became fatter than normal mice.

Prof Frances Ashcroft, one of the leaders of the research, said: "This work makes us confident that FTO is an important gene that contributes to obesity.

"We can now think about developing drugs that turn down the activity of the FTO gene as potential anti-obesity pills. That's a long way off and there's no certainty of success, but it's an enticing prospect."...