Researchers believe they have identified why a mutation in a particular gene can lead to obesity.
Mouse experiments suggested the body's message to "stop eating" was blocked if the animals had the mutation.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, said the brain's response to appetite hormones was being disrupted.
The Georgetown University Medical Center researchers hope their findings could lead to new ways to control weight.
Many genes have been linked to obesity, one of them - brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene - has been shown to play a role in putting on weight in animal and some human studies.
However, scientists at the Georgetown University Medical Center said the explanation for this link was unknown.
Source: BBC
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