Dr Blumberg believes the compound interferes with the body's normal fat-formation process, and puts its fat-storage mechanism on overdrive, plumping up the person.

ECONOMIST: Obesity

The French scientists looked at 163 non-drinkers who had fatty livers - where fat deposits build up in the organ, potentially leading to formation of fibrous tissue and then to cirrhosis or even liver cancer - to see how many of them had the sleep disorder.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Sleep disorder liver disease link