Watch What You Eat

Its in the genes

Its in the genes

This is what some obese people say when others remark about their weight. It is true that the risk of being obese is significantly higher for those who are unlucky enough to have the risk gene for obesity. Its even worse for those who have double copies of the genes meaning they inherited the obesity gene from both parents they are 2.5 times more likely to become obese. This is especially true for the FTO gene, which is the most significant obesity gene identified by scientists.

Variants of the FTO gene are common in the general population, especially among Americans. According to studies, 40 percent have a single copy of the FTO gene, while 17 percent have double copies.

Theres hope

Obese people with obese parents may be tempted to lose hope. However, recent studies show that the obesity gene only comes into play if the fat consumption of the person is relatively high. A low-fat diet has been shown to neutralize some of the harmful effects of the obesity gene. This only means that the critical factor is what you eat.

There have been several studies already that show how regular exercise can diminish the effect of the obesity gene. Thankfully, a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that smarter food habits can also do the same.

The study is based on information from the large Malm Diet and Cancer survey. In that study, the food habits of participants were documented carefully. Various tools were used such as lengthy interviews, an extensive questionnaire, and detailed food diaries where the participants log in everything they eat diligently.

Special care was given to the eating patterns and the results of participants who had double copies of the FTO gene. Upon examination, it showed that the threat of obesity was amplified only when the diet was rich in fat.

When the eating habits of the carriers of the double risk variant for obesity was analyzed the pattern was clear. The risk of obesity was dramatically increased only in the case of high fat consumption. Those who were carriers of the double risk gene who were on a low-fat diet did not become obese, even with the inherited risk.

Watch it

Studies show that the FTO gene acts in a persons hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain responsible for regulating appetite and satiety. It appears that carriers of the FTO gene generally dont feel full after eating fat, so they tend to consume more and therefore gain more weight.

The key, therefore, is to watch what you eat. The harmful effects of the FTO gene can be diminished or even cancelled if you change your eating habits. The best way is to go for individualized counselling on nutrition if you want to avoid gaining too much weight. The good news is that your weight does not have to depend solely on our genes. Even though you may have inherited obesity genes from your parents, a change in eating habits can negate this.

by: Paul Smythe

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