Latest News
We would like to keep our patients, families and professionals up to date with the latest developments in our research.
We may sometimes highlight particular “news reports” that may appear in the media, as there may be general points that are worth emphasising or challenging.
We recently identified three genes called PHIP, DGKI, ZMYM4 which may play an important role in controlling a person’s weight.
Read more: New genes contributing to severe obesity identified
We used metabolomics to study the changes that occur when overweight people are treated with leptin
Read more: Using metabolomics to understand leptin’s actions
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 18th May – Friday 22nd May), the Cambridge University Sports Centre is running a Virtual Climbing Challenge. They are challenging individuals and teams to choose a target of climbing a building, set of buildings, or even a mountain – all virtually. Participants can climb the stairs in their house or the hill in their local park.
Raising funds for high-grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health and social care professionals caring for patients with COVID-19 in Cambridge and the East of England.
Read more: Cambridge China COVID-19 Collaboration (4C) Appeal
Report by an international group of Clinicians highlights how the caring professions are failing people with obesity.
Read more: Consensus statement for ending the stigma of obesity
Important to understand that obesity is complex and people should not be stigmatised.
A recent statement written by 30 experts across Europe identified variables that should be included in all obesity trials.
Read more: European OBEDIS project defines core information to include in future obesity trials
We recently expanded on our understanding of how genetic alterations in SH2B1 contribute to obesity and neurobehavioral difficulties.
Read more: Mutations in SH2B1 are linked to obesity, diabetes, and behavioural difficulties
Two of our young patients recently visited us to help make a short film about what it’s like to come to Cambridge and be part of our research. Check it out and meet some of our team at What happens when I come to Cambridge.
Professor Farooqi was at the University of Wolverhampton on Thursday 19 September 2019, being awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science in recognition of her contributions to biomedical science and her longstanding connection with the Midlands.
Read more: Professor Farooqi awarded Honorary Doctorate of Science
Prof. Sadaf Farooqi has been elected as a member of EMBO, an organisation of the best researchers in Europe and around the world
Many different variants in the MC4R gene are known to lead to early onset obesity in people. Excitingly, we have now been able to demonstrate that some variants have the opposite effect and may protect people from becoming overweight.
Read more: Some variants in the Melanocortin -4 Receptor (MC4R) may protect against obesity
We recently described the mechanism through which Steroid Receptor Coactivator (SRC)-1 regulates appetite and body weight.
Read more: Steroid Receptor Coactivator-1 modulates Pomc neurons involved in weight regulation
We recently discovered why some people manage to stay thin while others gain weight.
Read more: Genetic architecture of human thinness compared to severe obesity
We recently described the role of a group of neural guidance molecules, the Semaphorins in the development of hypothalamic brain circuits that regulate body weight.
Read more: Human Semaphorin 3 Variants Link Melanocortin Circuit Development and Energy Balance
This year the focus is on raising awareness of weight stigma
We recently reported the first comprehensive analysis of hypothalamic gene expression in patients with a genetic obesity syndrome.
Professor Farooqi appeared on the BBC One documentary, The Truth About Obesity, on 26th April.
