If a person is obese then the weight may not be a result of gluttony or lack of regular workouts but it may actually be a result of the genes that one has inherited from ones’ parents as per researchers.

An entire set of new genes linked with body fat distribution and obesity have been identified in two large studies by an international team of researchers which include the largest study yet of DNA variation across our genomes involving almost one fourth million people.

13 new gene regions have been identified by the group where variations in DNA sequence can be related to whether we are apple-shaped or pear-shaped.

The majority of these variations have a markedly stronger effect in women as compared to those in men. The Scientists were led by researchers at Oxford University and the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit in Cambridge also located 18 new genetic variations linked to increased susceptibility to obesity.

More fat around the waistline is linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease even after correction for obesity.