A gene variant that is located near a gene that makes the melanocortin-4 receptor seems to play a prominent role in antipsychotic medication-induced weight gain, researchers have found. Mutations in this gene have also been linked to extreme obesity in the general population. To learn more about these recent findings, see the latest issue of Psychiatric News.Yet another gene variant that predisposes to obesity has been linked to volume loss in several brain areas. The variant might lead to poor executive function or help set the stage for development of dementia, the researchers suggested. More details about this research can be also be found in Psychiatric News.(Image: Luis Louro/Shutterstock.com)
