Obesity in Children may be linked to the obesity gene.

Inherited mutation in gene ENPP1 may contribute to obesity and diabetes.

Research conducted by Dr. Philippe Froguel from the Institute of Pasteur in Lille, France, collaborated with his colleagues from the Imperial College of London, Britain recruited obese children aged between 5 and 11 years. The study was conducted in the genes of children’s from 1,225 obese children and 1,205 normal weighed children. The results of the study showed that obesity is mostly inherited from parents and grandparents to the children. The researchers looked at the children's parents and grandparents, they found a similar risk for obesity and discovered that a hereditary mutation in gene ENPP1 contributes to obesity in them and the early onset of type II diabetes. The scientist found that obesity and occasionally diabetes in the young children were present in their gene however the onset of which would just start in their parents.

Dr. Froguel pointed out however that although the gene has a role in obesity and diabetes it is important to also keep in mind the environmental factors that are implicated in these disorders.

"The 20-year difference in expression of the gene abnormality shows the devastating consequences of recent environmental factors, such as eating high-glycaemic foods and a lack of exercise," announced Dr. Froguel.