More than ever, the country’s population is facing an epidemic of obesity, but is obesity genetic? Obesity comes with many health risks like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and even certain types of cancer. There is evidence to suggest that obesity may have more than just single cause. However, genetics may hold a significant role.
Is Obesity Genetic: Runs in Families
Obesity is something that often runs in the family. Rarely is there only one overweight person in one household. Genetics may not be the lone cause since relatives share the same diet and health habits that may be at the root of obesity. Many studies have been done to link genes and obesity. One such study followed adults who were adopted at a young age. It was uncovered that the adult weights of these people are near that of the biological parents. Therefore, the environment had little influence over these people. However, just because obesity occurs in a family does not mean that it cannot be prevented.
Is Obesity Genetic: It’s in the genes
UK scientific studies have discovered a gene variant that helps to regulate body fat. This gene, or FTO, has a link to a person’s body mass index and weight. Its strength of the gene depends on the number of copies a person has inherited.
Another genetic explanation comes from the past when people’s genes controlled body fat in times when food was not predictable during times of famine. Today, it is challenged because food is always around.
Many scientists believe that there is a large amount of evidence that supports that biology regulates weight. Experiments following obese mice found that they become heavy because they do not have a “ob” gene. This gene makes a protein called leptin that goes to the brain to tell it that a person is full after eating. Uncovering this gene in mice has led researchers to relate it to humans. Many childhood cases of obesity are linked to mutations in leptin genes.
Obesity occurs when there is no balance between the number of calories eaten and the number of calories that are burned. There has been great scientific research that presents evidence that genetics does play a role in whether a person is likely to become obese. However, environmental and psychological factors play a role as well. A lifestyle filled with a poor diet may lead to obesity. Also, those with emotional issues turn to food to deal with anger and sadness. Binge eating can be an eating disorder that leads to obesity. There is a number of health risks and social discrimination associate with obesity. Eating healthier and adding a bit of exercise to a person’s lifestyle can help. Even if obesity is genetic, it can be corrected.
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