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Summary of Transcript:
The video discusses the role of genetics in obesity. The speaker, Giles Yeo, is an obesity geneticist and explains that genetics plays a role in feeding behavior which influences our food intake, ultimately influencing our body weight. He discusses twin studies and the heritability of body weight which ranges from 40-70% due to genetics. Monogenic disorders, where a mutation causes severe obesity, are 100% heritable, while polygenic forms are more common and influenced by both genetics and the environment. Severe and early-onset obesity may indicate a monogenic form, which can be identified through gene screening by medical geneticists. The gp may refer the individual to the correct person for a screening.
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Summary of Description:
The article is an invitation to explore the hidden world of genomics research through an interview with Giles Yeo, a Principal Research Associate at MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit and the Scientific Director of the Genomics/Transcriptomics Core at the University of Cambridge. Yeo discusses the genetics of obesity, the impact of diet on gut health, and the importance of the food environment on overall health.
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Curiouser and curiouser: down the rabbit hole with Giles Yeo
Introduction
Have you ever wondered about the underlying causes of obesity or the role of our environment in shaping our health? In this article, we explore these topics and more with Giles Yeo, a renowned expert in genomics research.
The genetics of obesity
Many of us have heard the old adage that obesity runs in families, but what does this actually mean? Yeo explains that genetics indeed play a role in our susceptibility to obesity, but it is not a simple one-size-fits-all answer. Different people may carry different gene variants that contribute to obesity, and the interaction between genes and environment is complex. Yeo’s research has identified certain genes that affect our appetite, cravings for sweet or fatty foods, and metabolism.
Impact of diet on our gut health
When we think of digestion, we often focus on the stomach and intestines, but did you know that our gut contains trillions of microorganisms that perform crucial functions for our health? Yeo explains that our diet has a big impact on the type and number of microorganisms in our gut, and this in turn affects our overall health. For example, a diet high in processed foods and sugar can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut, which can contribute to inflammation and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Why our food environment matters
Yeo emphasizes that our food environment, or the types of foods that are readily available to us, plays a big role in our dietary choices and ultimately our health. For example, if our workplace only offers unhealthy snack options, or if we live in a food desert without access to fresh produce, it becomes much harder to make healthy choices. Yeo argues that we need to work towards creating healthier food environments that promote access to nutritious foods.
The role of genomics in personalized medicine
Yeo also discusses the growing field of personalized medicine, which uses genomic data to tailor medical treatments to individual patients. He gives the example of using genomic data to identify a patient’s particular genetic mutations that affect how they metabolize medication, which can then inform their ideal dosage and treatment plan. Yeo believes that genomics research will continue to play a bigger role in healthcare in the years to come.
Conclusion
Yeo’s insights into the complexities of genetics, diet and environment offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of genomics research. By understanding the underlying factors that contribute to obesity and chronic diseases, we can make more informed choices for our health and work towards creating healthier environments for ourselves and our communities. So why not follow Alice down the rabbit hole and explore the wonderland of genomics research?
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Source Description
Curiouser and curiouser…come join us down the rabbit hole as we explore some of the fascinating genomics research that is often hidden beneath the surface.
In our latest Down the Rabbit Hole interview, we are joined by Giles Yeo, who is a Principal Research Associate at MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit and the Scientific Director of the Genomics/Transcriptomics Core at the University of Cambridge. Yeo delves into the genetics of obesity, the impact of our diet on our gut health and why our food environment plays such a big role in our health.
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