Your genes are why your eyes are brown and your hair is red. They are what they do, well, you. But can genetics determine the size of your jeans?
Research shows that the differences in your genes can lead to weight problems. So if your parents are obese, you are also more likely to be either. But that does not mean that you will undoubtedly. Many people with obesity in their families do not overthrow the scales. And you can fight the chances with diet and exercise.
Fat Loss Ultrasound - Is Obesity in Your Genes?
There is a gene that is receiving much attention, called FTO. Scientists have discovered that people with certain differences in this gene have 20% to 30% higher chance of obesity. And these differences are very common.
Dozens of other genes are linked to the weight as well. Some, for example, make people just naturally store more fat.
But it is still unclear exactly how much weight genes really carry. Are you really destined to stay overweight?
"Obesity is a very complex disease, and many factors can contribute to this and cause, including genetics, behavior and environment," says Naima MouseDa-Moussa, PhD, director of Obesity Research Cluster in Texas Tech University . Obesity can be executed in families - not because of genetics, but because of habits and environment, it says.
More than one third of adults in the United States are obese, says Mustaid-Moussa. "The number of Americans with obesity has constantly increased in the last five decades, but this can not be explained by some dramatic changes in our genes."Jung Han Kim, PhD, an obesity researcher and professor at the Medical School of Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards, agrees. Obesity has increased all over the world with industrialization, a sedentary lifestyle and a diet full of fat, she says.
"We know from the research that some genetic predisposition increases the risk of being overweight and obesity, but can be overcome by the lifestyle," says Zhaoping Li, MD, PhD, director of the Human Nutrition Center at University California, Los Angeles. "Genetics carries the weapon, the environment pulls the trigger."
And by environment, Li means the tried and true offenders as a lot of seated and lots of food.
More exercise is fundamental. The research shows that even if you are likely to be obese because of your genes, you can change course by breaking a sweat regularly.
The family history alone does not seem to be enough to make you obese.
"Genetics plays a role, but the truth is who you are still determined by how you live your life," says Li.
So the same advice is true:
- get active. Point to 2 1/2 hours of moderate intensity exercise as a quick walk every week. Even making 10 minutes each time help. Weight training, done at least twice a week, will help make your muscles strong.
- eat less. Cut calories. Lopping 500 to 1,000 per day can help you lose 1 to 2 pounds per week.
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