Concomitantly, the inhibitory kinase, BCKDK, was augmented in the obese patients (compared to non-obese) whereas, activating phosphatase PPM1K (protein phosphatase Mg2+/Mn2+ phosphatase) levels were reduced in morbid obesity (compared to both non-obese and pre-obese patients) (Figure 2B). This evidence concerns the gene BCKDK and morbid obesity.