Final Report Summary - STILTS (Genetic and physiological basis of thinness)
In this project, our aim was to find out the mechanisms that allow some people to remain thin in an environment that increases the chances of gaining weight. Whilst being thin is highly heritable, comprehensive genetic studies of thinness have not been conducted to date. Funded by an ERC Consolidator Award, we recruited a UK cohort of 2000 thin people (called the STILTS cohort). In doing so, we have successfully overcome the most important hurdle to studies of thinness – a rigorously screened cohort of thin individuals who are well, without medical conditions or eating disorders. Genetic studies in this cohort have allowed us to identify new genes that contribute to thinness. This information could be very helpful in finding new drug targets for people who suffer from obesity and its complications including diabetes.