Barbara Harpham, national director of Heart Research UK, says: "This information is a useful thing to know but it is an explanation, not a reason. Findings like these can give those who are prone to being overweight an excuse to accept their size and not do anything about it.

"What they have to remember is that, behind the headline, this is only
a small factor in why people are overweight – they have to make the right choices."

The research, carried out by University College London, said that "usually the act of eating switches off the appetite and creates a feeling of satiety or fullness, but the FTO gene stops this from happening."

On the other hand, Heart Research UK say that, although a percentage of the public may have this gene, it should not deter them from eating a healthy balanced diet and taking regular exercise.

Charity ball in teen's memory

A fundraising ball in aid of the Meningitis Trust will be held on Sunday, August 24 at Newark Showground.

The event is being held in memory of Gareth Rowland, who died aged 16 from meningococcal septicaemia.

In May 2003, Gareth was attending boarding school when he died, having shown no symptoms of the disease, apart from a headache. A
table of 10 is £420 and individual tickets are available at £45.

For more information on this event, contact Kate Johnston on 01522 778 276 or kate-80@hotmail.com.

Stress link to diabetes

Men who are stressed are twice as likely to develop diabetes, according to new research.

Sleepless nights, depression and anxiety can also more than double the risk, says Swedish experts.

But women with high stress levels were not found to be higher risk.

Experts have long suspected that stress can raise the risk of Type 2 diabetes – a condition which affects at least two million Britons. Researchers say the link could be a result of the way stress affects the brain's role in regulating hormones.