Gloved hands hold up a used flow cell, which looks like a rainbow colored computer chip, dotted with a liquid DNA sample.

How much of a role does genetics play in obesity?

There are hundreds of genes that influence fat storage and metabolism. So, do we have any control over our weight at all? The experts weigh in.

A technician displays a used flow cell, which holds DNA for sequencing. To improve our understanding of the complex role genes play in the development of obesity scientists are comparing the genetic codes of people who have the disease with those who don't.
Photograph by Cristina Fletes-Boutte, St. Louis Post-Dispatch/Tribune News Service/Getty Images
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