The excuse of fat people worldwide has now been justified, as scientists have found a gene that increase the chance of obesity by 70%. This gene can give an average of 3kg extra in weight and 15% extra body fat than those without the gene.

Yet this just begs the question - If obesity is controlled by your genes, then why are there so many more fat people than ever before? Quite simply because people are now more lazy, eat more, and the food they eat even more of is high in fats and sugars. A gene can affect how easy it is for a person to out on or take off weight, but it doesn't lead directly to excess paunch. That comes down to too much bad food and not enough exercise.

If you are overweight it is because you do not do enough exercise or eat the right things. Everything in moderation except moderation. Society as a whole has become too reliant on machines to do our physical work and on pre-prepared food.

Blaming being overweight on your genes is part of the "it's someone else's fault" culture than has infected British society, with compensation claims and the nanny state. You are in charge of your own life. Yes some people may get dealt a dud hand genetically, but it's what you do with it that matters. If you have the "fat" gene, exercise more and eat less. If you aren't naturally intelligent, study harder. Etc, etc.

Having the "fat" gene is not an excuse. You can help it. Being obese is not a natural thing decided by your genes, it's a choice made by your lifestyle.

Sources: BBC, The Times, The Telegraph, Science Daily