Obesity Gene Discovered

Re “Gene Found That May Lead to Obesity,” Dec. 1:

As dramatic as the discovery of a “fat gene” in mice may be, few among us should be lulled into laying the blame for an ever-present spare tire to some bad genes inherited from our parents.

The fact remains that the overwhelming majority of those among us who are overweight are that way because we have become less physically active and because we eat too much of the wrong food. A few may have a genetic malady, and for them this discovery gives some hope. The rest of us can easily do something about it now.

From taking personal responsibility to get physically active on a regular basis with family or friends, to focusing on life’s small luxuries--like elevators and escalators when stairs will do, and nearby parking spots that shortchange us of what little physical activity many already get--there are countless opportunities in everyday life that anyone can take advantage of.

Our only reward will be better health, lower weight, more energy and a realization that, for most of us, the power to control our lives--and our waistlines--is within our reach and at our feet.

FLORENCE GRIFFITH JOYNER

TOM McMILLEN

Co-chairs

President’s Council on Physical

Fitness and Sports, Washington

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Am I alone in wondering if discovering and altering the gene that causes obesity is such a good thing? Is it not possible that this gene may be present in some people for a reason?

It was only a few thousand years ago that the Earth released itself from a prolonged Ice Age. Many geologists theorize that the Earth may again slowly head toward a significant glacial period in the next thousand years. By considering alteration of the genes that cause obesity, is it possible we might inadvertently eliminate an evolutionary trait of humans that allows us to adapt to changing climates? Moreover, is it wise to alter human genealogy, evolved over millions of years, in the name of this short-term desire for thinness? Researchers should think long and hard before messing with human genes. Some of these genes, unbeknownst to us, may be essential to the long-term evolutionary survival of our species.

SID DUTCHER

Huntington Beach