Do Genes Actually Affect Weight Loss? New Study Brings Unexpected Results
Aims Of The Study
The University of Cambridge recently released a study which may be the answer to that one question a lot of dieters frequently ask. This recurrent question borders on why it’s possible for some people to eat anything they desire without adding weight.
This study which was published on the 24th of January 2019 had researchers in the U.K comparing the DNA of about 1,622 thin individuals with 1,985 obese individuals together with a normal weight control group made up of 10,433 individuals.
This study may be the answer to that one question a lot of dieters frequently ask, i.e., why is it possible for some people to eat anything they desire without adding weight?
The study revealed that the thin people actually have genes in their favor. The researchers made use of genotype data that is genome-wide to show that consistent healthy thinness is a trait that can be inherited just like severe obesity.
According to Dr. Eddie Fatakhov, who is a nutritionist and a certified internist stated, a lot of studies have compared the gene variants of obese patients with that of patients with normal body weight. However, just two past studies have explored genes of those who are thin.
According to him, the study remains the largest one which has compared genetic variants of those who are thin with the variants of the control group made up of normal weight individuals and also those who are obese. With the study, the researchers succeeded in creating a gene-based risk score which could lead to obesity subsequently in life.
Findings Of The Study
The participants who were studied for thinness were all people with body mass index lesser than 18, of good health and people who do not have any medical condition or any form of eating disorder. For the DNA analysis, these researchers made use of saliva samples, and the participants answered questions bordering on their lifestyle and general health.
A bariatric surgeon with a California-based Medical Center, Dr. Mir Ali said he had not seen a lot of studies considering this population. However, regardless of the part genetics may play in slimness and obesity, the doctors still stressed the importance of some other factors capable of being controlled.
The researchers made use of saliva samples, and the participants answered questions bordering on their lifestyle and general health.
Ali added that genetics actually has a crucial role in the determination of a person’s weight. However, the intention is to ensure that people don’t end up thinking that is the only factor that affects a person’s weight as there are several things one can do about weight.
Staying In Shape Regardless Of Genetics
Exercise no doubt has the ability to help a person stay in shape regardless of your genetics. Ali, however, noted that our society is technology-centric and it has a lot of modern conveniences that has created a lot of challenges affecting how people can get up and move around.
He also recommends that one should exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes for five days per week. He emphasized the importance of getting consistent and regular exercise. The exercise doesn’t have to be one which is strenuous. It only has to be consistent.
Exercise no doubt has the ability to help a person stay in shape regardless of your genetics
He also noted that there are studies that have revealed that mere gardening for about 30 minutes per day can contribute to the improvement of a person’s health. According to him, going outside and moving around is what is important.
Weight Controlling Techniques
Coupled with exercise, Fatakhov stated that there are still other things that can be done to control weight. He advised that people should avoid phthalates based on concerns that it may increase one’s risk of gaining weight. In addition, he recommends increasing your daily intake of fluid. While women should increase to 2.2 liters, men should increase to 3.2 liters.
People should avoid phthalates based on concerns that it may increase one’s risk of gaining weight
Also, he said that they should increase their fiber to feel full while also providing beneficial prebiotics for gut microbiome and that will also have an effect on your weight. He advised taking things one step at a time bearing it in mind that a weight loss which is sustainable isn’t a sprint but a marathon.
In addition, he said that people should get medical experts whenever they feel they need expert help and also try to keep a food journal. Ali said people who are having issues with losing weight have hope. For instance, he said these people can reach out to physicians who are specialists in weight loss or have training in obesity medicine. Currently, there are different drugs still at the clinical trial stage, but they hold promise for obese or overweight patients.