Do Genetics Make You Obese?

We’ve probably all known someone who is overweight blame their obesity on genetics.  I personally know a few folks who’ve made comments like this:  “…my parents are fat, my sister is fat, so I’ve just accepted that I’ll be fat…”  I’ve always wondered how much truth there is to the argument that some people are just genetically destined to be obese.  I mean — it’s certainly true that obesity seems to run in some families, but is that behavior or genetics?

Well, it turns out that there is a genetic component, at least toward being overweight.  People who have a gene called FTO have been shown to be, on average, heavier by 1.2kg (2.6 lbs) than the average population.  Having two copies of the gene yields a 3kg (6.6lb) average increase in body weight.  Turns about 16% of Europeans carry both genes.  Furthermore, this gene seems to correlate with an increased risk of diabetes.  So, although it isn’t a huge disparity from the average weight of the population, 6-7 lbs is significant.  There is also another gene that yields a genetic predisposition to morbid obesity that affects about 1 person in 10,000.

Can The Genetics Of Obesity Be Overcome?

Turns out the answer is yes.  Researchers have studied Amish groups, both with and without the variation.  Those who have the FTO gene are no more likely to be obese than those without.  The study included over 700 Amish men and women, and showed convincingly that simply having a genetic predisposition was not a sentence to obesity.  We can probably assume that the vigorous activity and moderate eating habits associated with the Amish lifestyle trump genetic disposition, if it is present.

So what’s the answer for the rest of us?

Most people don’t really want to hear this, I think.  But, I believe we can safely assume that the basic rules for reducing the risk of obesity apply, regardless of genetics.  They are simple in scope, but difficult to implement in today’s world of quick fixes.  They are:  watch your calories and try to get 30 minutes of activity most days of a week.  You, of course, have to look at your lifestyle and determine what you can change.  My first two changes were:

1. I went from eating “lunch with the guys” 5 days a week to 2 days a week.
2. Walking 30-minutes a day, 3 days/week instead of lunch.

So the challenge would be to find 1 or 2 simple things you can change.  Thoughts?

Related posts:

1. Should I Have Genetic Testing?
2. My First Foray Into Fitness And Weight Loss
3. How To Calculate Your Ideal Weight
4. Fitness As An Adult