26 Dec COULD YOUR GENES BE AFFECTING YOUR WEIGHT?
Have you ever wondered why some people can lose weight easily, while others seem to gain it no matter how hard they try? A lot of it may have to do with genetics—what we inherit from our parents.
Fat Mass Gene
Researchers have found several genes that can make it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. One of the most studied is the FTO gene. People with certain versions of this gene tend to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and are more likely to become overweight or obese. This gene may affect how much we feel hungry, leading to overeating.
Appetite Regulation
Another important gene is MC4R, which is involved in regulating hunger. If you have a mutation in this gene, your body might not send the right signals to stop you from eating, making it easier to overeat and gain weight.
There’s also a gene called BDNF, which helps control appetite. Low levels of BDNF can make people more likely to eat too much, contributing to weight gain. Similarly, leptin, a hormone that helps control hunger, can cause problems if the body doesn’t respond to it properly. This can lead to increased hunger and difficulty losing weight.
Fat Metabolism
Some studies also suggest that how our body processes fat could be affected by genetics. For example, a gene called APOA2 influences how we metabolize fats. People with certain versions of this gene may have a harder time losing weight, especially if they eat a diet high in fat.
The Twins Study
A fascinating 2007 study showed that even twins, who share the same genes, can have different weights because of lifestyle and environment. However, the study found that about 70% of a person’s weight is influenced by genetics, meaning your genes play a big part in how much weight you gain or lose.
Environmental & Behavioral Effects
Finally, research is also showing that epigenetics, which are changes in how our genes work without changing the DNA, can also affect our weight. These changes can be influenced by things like diet and stress, but they can also be inherited.
Should You Surrender To Your Genes?
So what does this mean if you happen to have a genetic predisposition to elevated weight? Should you just give up and accept your fate? Is it inevitable that you will gain weight no matter what you do? Absolutely not! Like anyone with a genetic tendency toward a medical condition, you will need to be extra vigilant about monitoring your health and take steps to counter your genes.
One just needs to look at other genetic conditions as an example. A small number of people have a genetic tendency toward extremely high cholesterol levels. With close medical monitoring and personalized plans, they are able to minimize the effects of their condition. If they didn’t take these steps, they would find themselves with life-threatening heart disease at a very young age.
The bottom line: You have the power to determine your level of health and wellness despite your genetic makeup. But it’s helpful to understand your unique set of challenges. Ask your provider about DNA testing for obesity predisposition if you feel it can benefit your plan.