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You're the one for me, fatty

Scientists at Exeter University have revealed research which identifies the main reason we're all becoming such fat bastards.

The researchers are the first to identify a common, population-wide genetic link to obesity.

Tim Frayling from the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter said: "This is the first conclusive evidence of a common gene that affects weight. It has long been thought that there must be some genetic component which helps to explain why some people seem to be able to eat a lot and do little exercise and stay thin while others who eat less and do more exercise put on weight.

"We don't know if this gene makes us eat more, or exercise less, or if it alters our metabolism, but that will be an area for future research."

Obesity greatly increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and has also been linked with cancer. Each year it causes tens of thousands of premature deaths and costs the country an estimated £7bn.

Obviously in an attempt to curb the current trend in increasing waistlines scientists will be looking to cull the one in five adults who are currently obese and also display the gene.

"This type of radical program has only been tried a couple of times throughout recorded history, but hopefully this time we can pull it off."

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