The grant will finance her participation in the project entitled "Effects of a Hypocaloric Diet and Physical Training in the Metabolic and Hormonal Response in a Group of Obese Women with a Gln27Glu Polymorphism in the Beta2adrenergic Receptor."

The objective of the study consists in detecting the metabolic and hormonal response of overweight women with Gln27Glu polymorphism. That patients with this genetic trait presented a greater index of body mass than normal women, despite performing exercise on a regular basis. Our goal consists precisely in understanding the reason that women with this trait are more resistant to weight loss.

The ultimate objective of the project of which Ms. Antsn forms part is to understand the characteristics of obese persons with differing genetic polymorphisms, and to develop individualized treatments for each case. Until now, in the treatment of obesity, clinical practice focused on the likes and dislikes of the patients. In the future, however, we will be able to create diets and exercise regimens which are genetically adjusted to the individual person.

basqueresearch/

Also in the pipeline are plans to offer "health MOTs" to every person in order to identify those at risk of illnesses such as heart disease before they develop.

According to the Department of Health the optional "life checks" will be offered to a person up to five times during their lifetime and will include a questionnaire and possibly blood pressure and blood tests and would also look at diet, smoking habits and weight.

The life check will take place at key stages in life and will also look at the medical history of a family.

Personal trainers will be available for some people which appears relevant at a time when the UK along with many Western countries, is struggling to control the growing problem of obesity.

A British Medical Association report last year said rising obesity levels had already led to an increase in children suffering from type II diabetes, a disease largely found in adults, and in future will cause more cases of heart disease.

At least a fifth of boys and a third of girls are expected to be obese by 2020 if current trends continue, says the report.