There may be a way to switch off the gene that's making you fat

Researchers believe that there is a master switch that leads to obesity, and it can possibly be turned off. Photo: Shutterstock

Scientists have identified a genetic master-switch that makes some people more prone to obesity than others, and research suggests it can be turned off, possibly leading to weight loss.

So far, researchers have been able to manipulate the genes of mice and human cells in the lab in order to reverse obesity, but the approach has not yet been tested in people.