When it comes to obesity, there are two main reasons presented: genes and environmental factors. An overweight person tends to believe that his or her obesity 'runs in the family' and the chance of losing weight is nearly impossible. However, a recent study has discovered that people with obesity linked in their genes respond to any weight loss program just as well as everyone else.
DNA is not an obstacle for wanting to reduce weight. The study found out that diet, exercise and drug-based approaches of losing weight are beneficial even for those who carry FTO genes.
According to AJMC, fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) genes are the strongest associations in weight gain because it makes people crave foods with high calories and limits the feeling of fullness after a meal.
Researchers led by Katherine Livingstone, Ph.D. have examined these genes and analyzed data from approximately 10,000 participants. The study was conducted to assess the effect of the FTO genes on weight loss after diet, physical activity and drug-based interventions in randomised controlled trials.
People carrying the FTO genes are at risk of getting heavier and havingt higher obesity levels. They are also more likely to be about 3 kg heavier and 1.7 times likely to be obese than the rest of the population. However, researchers found out that they are not significantly less likely to reduce weight during weight-loss interventions.
After checking changes in the BMI (Body Mass Index), weight and weight circumference of the participants, researchers concluded that the FTO gene does not hamper effects of weight loss programs. This means that even though a person carrying the gene is more prone to gaining weight, it is not the only factor that causes weight gain.
BMJ editorial stated that the study proved that environmental factors, such as poor diet and lack of physical activity amongst the others, have much more to do with obesity than genetic factors. It added that obesity can be counteracted through interventions and weight loss programs.
Obesity Action Campaign co-founder, Dr. Jude Oben has welcomed the results and warned people about how obesity is killing people. He added that psychological, nutritional and physical changes of weight loss strategies should be promoted.
