Are Genes or Diets to Blame?

Some people seem to be able to eat so much but still remain slim. Do they just have faster metabolism? Why do some people find it harder to lose weight than others?  Dieting has become a social norm, with so many people looking for “quick fixes” or “diets” at any one time. Do genes play a role? If they do and if unfortunately, we have the genes related to obesity, is there anything we can do to change the situation? 

​Genetics is the study of genes and a gene is a part of the biological code that you are built from. Half our genes come from our mother and the other half from our father. 

​Research over the last decade or so has identified over 100 genes or gene groups linked to obesity. These can affect things like our eating habits, how easily we store fat, our metabolism and how our appetite is regulated. One of the genes involved in appetite regulation, FTO (fat mass and obesity related protein), is said to have the largest effect on BMI. This is a gene that we all have but some of us have inherited some small changes to this gene and these variations make the individual more likely to be obese. Keyword there: “more likely”! 

​Research has suggested that people with variations to the FTO genes tend to be less sensitive to appetite hormones released form the gut and fat cells and have a liking to high-fat, high-sugar food. In other words, they often feel hungrier and the brain believes there is less body fat than the person has and that the person has eaten less than they actually did. Over time, these lifestyle differences increase calorie intake, and therefore, increasing weight. 

​However, there are many contributory factors for obesity. Genetics only play a small part. There are other factors such as diet and lifestyle that are completely within our control.

​Dr Giles Yeo, a doctor involved in research around the genetics of obesity, made an analogy to having a bad hand of poker (having the gene variants)—if you play your cards right (with proper diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors), you can still win (i.e. lose weight) although it will be more of a challenge. In any case, exercise will mitigate the risk of obesity by 30% even for those with the gene variants. 

​Ultimately, motivation is key. For some people, this might be a low point in their health, or you may have hit an all-time-high weight.