New Delhi, May 7, 2008 -  British scientists may have an answer to why, despite best efforts, you are constantly putting on weight, especially around the waist. Well, it's all in your "Indian" genes.

A new large scale British study has identified genetic variations, occurring commonly among Indian Asians, that make them heavier and more prone to diabetes.

The findings shows that Indian Asian adults carrying these genetic variations are, on average, 3.8kg heavier than people of European ancestry.

The scientists also found that the variants - found in a gene called FTO and another close to a gene called MC4R - cause a 2cm expansion in waist circumference and a tremendous tendency to become resistant to insulin, leading to Type 2 diabetes.

Dr Anoop Mishra from Fortis Hospital said, "The study led by Jaspal Kooner of Imperial College, London, has found that the variant is significantly more common among people of Indian ancestry. This is a very important finding for the Indian population, both in India and abroad. It shows that these genetic variations causing obesity occur more often in Indians. When added with bad diet and exercise, Indians are at a far greater risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes."

MC4R protein plays a pivotal role in many aspects of physiology, including regulation of appetite and energy expenditure. The severe form of MC4R-related obesity is a consequence of alterations in the gene sequence resulting in an inactive or less active MC4R protein.  More: