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New gene link to obesity and a thyroid connection
When it comes to weight loss, I see a big difference between two of my friends. They both stick to the same diet and exercise routine, but one maintains a healthy weight with ease while the other has a tough time losing even a few pounds.
So what could explain this?
For some people, obesity isn’t just about willpower or lifestyle choices — it’s often tied to genetics. More research is uncovering how our genes can play a significant role in weight gain and loss.
While previous studies have pointed to genes like CRTC1 and MC4R in relation to obesity, a recent study has brought attention to another gene: SMIM1…
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The SMIM1 Gene and Weight Gain
Researchers first discovered the SMIM1 gene about ten years ago while searching for the gene responsible for a specific blood type known as Vel. About 1 in 5,000 people don’t have this gene, making them Vel-negative.
A team from the University of Exeter studied nearly 500,000 participants, finding 104 people with a variant of the SMIM1 gene that doesn’t work properly. By analyzing blood samples from both those who have the gene and those who don’t, they noticed an interesting trend.
Those with the SMIM1 gene variant tended to weigh more — on average, about 4.6 kilograms more for women and 2.4 kilograms for men. One reason for this might be that these individuals burn fewer calories when at rest.
They also exhibited other signs associated with obesity, such as higher fat levels in the blood and lower thyroid hormone levels.
The implications of these findings are pretty significant—this genetic variant might be playing a part in obesity for around 300,000 people worldwide and could lead to new treatment options.
Unlocking the Thyroid Connection
What’s particularly interesting is how this research connects to thyroid health. The researchers are now considering whether a common medication for thyroid issues, called levothyroxine, could aid in weight management for individuals who don’t have both copies of the SMIM1 gene.
As lead researcher Mattia Frontini explains, “Our findings highlight the need to investigate the genetic cause of obesity, to select the most appropriate and effective treatment, but also to reduce the social stigma associated to it.”
However, it may take some time for clinical trials to be completed. In the meantime, if you’re facing challenges with weight gain and suspect thyroid issues, there are steps you can take to support your thyroid.
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Taking Care of Your Thyroid
In a previous study, Penn Medicine professor Dr. Mitchell Lazar noted about the thyroid, “… thyroid hormone doesn’t just turn things on or off, as the canonical model suggests, but instead more subtly shifts the balance between the repression and enhancement of gene activity. Yet, as people with hypothyroidism know, the lack of thyroid hormone can have profound effects on the body.”
The thyroid relies on specific nutrients to function optimally. One of the most crucial elements for thyroid function and healthy metabolism is iodine. You can find iodine in foods like sea vegetables, cranberries, raw milk, eggs, yogurt, and beans. Other nutrients that support the thyroid include:
Copper: This mineral can help stimulate the thyroid and prevent excess thyroid hormone from building up in the body.
L-Tyrosine: This amino acid works alongside iodine to produce the hormones that your thyroid needs to function well.
Selenium: This mineral helps convert inactive thyroid hormone into its active form.
Zinc: This essential mineral supports the transformation of one key thyroid hormone to another and helps release stored vitamin A from the liver, which is beneficial for thyroid health.
Additionally, you might want to consider taking ashwagandha root. It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your thyroid function, allowing it to produce more necessary hormones.
In summary, understanding the link between genetics, thyroid health, and weight gain can pave the way for better treatment options. By focusing on your thyroid health and nutrition, you may find a more balanced and effective approach to managing your weight.
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Sources:
New genetic cause of obesity could help guide treatment — ScienceDaily
SMIM1 absence is associated with reduced energy expenditure and excess weight — Med
By Carolyn Gretton
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