Nutrition and Food Sciences

Obesity rarely follows a clear hereditary pattern caused by a single gene. However, the melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) is one of the most frequently associated genes with obesity. A small percentage of individuals across various ethnic groups have MC4R gene mutations that impair its function. Obesity, characterized by excessive body fat, is not merely a cosmetic issue; it is a medical condition that increases the risk of numerous health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. The development of obesity is complex, often resulting from a combination of dietary, physiological, environmental, and lifestyle factors, along with exercise and physical activity levels.