Obesity: genetics could be just a minimalist cause
“If your parents are obese you are bound to be obese and you will never lose weight, no matter what you do.” This phrase has been heard many times, some studies have even been directed in this direction. What if, in the end, genetics had nothing to do with all this? What if weight loss was possible, even if we were genetically predisposed to obesity?
The study
A recent study published in theBritish Medical Journalproves that physical activity and following a suitable diet is just as likely to work in weight loss in both genetically predisposed people to obesity and those who are not.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers studied no less than 8 studies already carried out on the relationship between genetics and obesity, for a total of 10,000 people. It found that being a carrier of the genetic variation called FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity associated) does not seem to affect an individual’s ability to lose weight. The researchers even add that individuals with the FTO variation respond as well as others to weight loss actions based on diet, physical activity or drug treatments.
Indeed, of the 10,000 people studied, some followed programs to lose weight, and carriers of the FTO variation lost as much waist circumference and weight as people without the variation.
A non-determining factor?
These results lead us to think more and more that the most determining factors in the difficulty of losing weight in an obese person is a diet high in sugar and fat, and of coursea decrease in physical activity. This is what Alison Tedstone(1), director of the nutrition department at the English Health Authority, says in any case.
Of course, all studies on the relationship between genetics and obesity are still in their “infancy”, but what is certain is that obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and other conditionssuch as certain cancers, or diabetes, and that an adapted diet and regular physical activity remain an effective means of prevention.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.