Scientists have identified a gene which is supposed to increase the risk of metabolic disease.  Researchers from Medical Research Epidemiology Unit of Britain said that lean gene is associated with less body fat and at the same time enhanced risk of diabetes and heart disease.

“We’ve uncovered a truly fascinating genetic story, and when we found the effect of this gene, we were very intrigued,” said Ruth Loos, whose study was published in Nature Genetics journal.

Research team observed the genetic code of around 75000 people to find out genes responsible for body fat and found that a gene named IRS1 is associated with less body fat. With further investigation, scientists found that this gene is also linked to unhealthy glucose and cholesterol in blood. This gene was only responsible for lesser subcutaneous fat ( fat under the skin) but not responsible for harmful fats called visceral fat.

The study has not changed the known message- slim people are healthier compared to obese and overweight. But it may happen sometimes that even slim people also have high cholesterol levels and face heart attacks before 50 years of age.

Heart diseases are biggest killer in the world. And rate is still increasing. According to a study, adults having diabetes have doubled since 1980- a number much larger than earlier thought.

However, apart from genetic factors, lifestyle, eating habits, exercise regime  play a vital role in determining health of a person.