Genetics and Obesity

Struggling with too many extra pounds? You may have your family history to blame. Expert opinion on genetics and obesity varies, but many researchers agree that a predisposition to obesity could be part of your genetic makeup. Other inherited factors that are linked to obesity could also determine your metabolic rate and how your body processes food. Studies on the genetics of obesity continue to indicate that heredity can contribute to obesity.

Obesity is more than simply being overweight. Statistics show that the condition leads to many other health risks. Obesity complications range from mild to severe. Some are even life threatening. Type 2 Diabetes, for instance, is a major threat to the obese, along with heart ailments and strokes, which can be fatal.

 

Professionals typically use BMI (Body Mass Index) as a way to determine obesity. BMI takes height and weight into account, and although it does not measure muscle, can be a useful indicator of a person’s health. Obesity begins at when a person’s weight is 30 percent more than their ideal body mass.

 

Today, research shows that obesity continues to rise throughout the world. Two main contributing factors are the availability of fast food and a general lack of exercise. However, when you look around, you'll see people of all shapes and sizes enjoying similar lifestyles. That's what leads experts in a continued search for the genetics of obesity.

Research has shown that genetics can affect obesity in many ways. Some factors that are influenced by genes, and may cause or perpetuate obesity, include:

In addition, how the body handles excess fat, and where it is stored, may be the result of genetics. Even on a low-calorie diet, some people have trouble losing or maintaining weight. Others may go through vigorous exercise programs with slower-than-normal results. These factors may be part of your body and cell structure.

Obesity genetics cannot be singled out as the only cause of the obesity epidemic. While genetics can indicate a predisposition to obesity, researchers have found that environment and lifestyle also play a large role in a person’s health. Parents who are overweight and do not exercise are likely to pass those habits on to their children. It is therefore important for adults to take control of their health and set the right example.

 

On the other hand, studies conducted in adoptee households confirm the genetics of obesity. Upon reaching adulthood, adopted children tend to reflect the bodily features of their birth parents. Identical twins who have been raised apart also reflect these same patterns. This suggests that genetics does play a large role in a person’s weight.

Studies continue to link gene mutations with obesity. For instance, some individuals are morbidly obese from infancy. This is rare, but may be a broad indicator of specific problems in gene structure. One such report found that leptin, a hormone responsible for regulating appetite, was defective. Other damaged appetite controllers appear to be in the form of PCI, an enzyme. Experts also cite a link between obesity and the FTO gene, which is linked to fat buildup.

 

Researchers often refer to polymorphisms, which are the small differences in genes affecting one percent or more of a given group. Studies continue to uncover new genetic links that provide possible explanations for how we gain and lose weight. While polymorphisms only affect a small percentage of the population, finding them is helpful in creating new ways to treat obesity.

 

Research based on the "thrifty gene" hypothesis is frequently cited in quotes on obesity and genetics. James Neel, a geneticist, first proposed this theory in 1962. The "thrifty gene" hypothesis suggests that our genes follow the ancestral pattern of "feast or famine." In other words, our bodies store fat when food is plentiful in preparation for leaner times. In today's society, the feast continues without the famine, leading to weight gain.

While you can, in part, blame your genes for obesity, it's up to you to take charge of your health. Just because family members are overweight or obese does not mean you must endure the same fate. Even as much as a ten percent weight loss can provide immense health benefits. Of course, your genes play a part in how fast and how easily that weight is lost. Genetics certainly influence the weight maintenance battle for many once the pounds are gone.

 

Many experts agree that exercise, calorie reduction and the right foods will bring about weight loss success. However, those who are obese will be facing many factors in their fight, including:

In fact, the higher your activity level, the less chance you'll have of regaining the weight once it is gone.

 

Experts recommend a healthy regime of the right food choices and plenty of exercise. Before beginning any weight loss program, you should always consult a health care professional. A special program to meet your needs will have better results than a standard routine targeted to people of normal weight.

 

 

Healthy Life Info (n.d.). Obesity and genetics. Retrieved November 10, 2008, from the Healthylifeinfo.com Web site: http://www.healthylifeinfo.com/healthlib/article.asp?file=obesityandweight2007.html.

 

National Office of Public Health Genomics (n.d.) Obesity and genetics: What we know, what we don’t know and what it means. Retrieved November 10, 2008, from the Centers for Disease Control Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/training/perspectives/files/obesknow.htm.

 

Obesity 101 (n.d.). What is obesity? Retrieved November 10, 2008, from the Obesity101 Web site: http://www.obesity101.com/101-1.htm.

 

Office of the Surgeon General (n.d.) Surgeon General's healthy weight advice for consumers. Retrieved November 10, 2008, from the Office of the Surgeon General Web site: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/calltoaction/fact_advice.html.

 

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (n.d.). The burden of obesity. Retrieved November 10, 2008, from the WVDHR Web site: http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/oehp/obesity/section1.htm.