Many Mexicans have a genetic predisposition to gain weight, leaving them more vulnerable to chronic diseases like diabetes, according to new scientific reports

Studies have isolated a genetic mutation common among indigenous and mestizo people in Mexico that raises the risk of gaining weight and can make it difficult for the pancreas to circulate enough insulin, raising the risk of diabetes. The genetic alteration has not appeared in studies of people from Africa, Asia and Europe. Another genetic variation uncovered in the studies disrupts the flow of ABCA1 cholesterol. The disruption reduces the levels of HDL, the so-called “good cholesterol” that is needed to clean arteries.