Trying to lose weight? Cancel out obesity gene with this ONE easy step

IF you’re struggling to shift the stubborn pounds and think genes are to blame - scientists may have discovered the secret to losing weight.

 

Inherited obesity genes can be negated by physical activity.

 

A new study has revealed inherited obesity genes can be negated by one factor - physical activity. 

Previous research has suggested people are sometimes prone to obesity due to genetic factors, but new evidence has shown moderating lifestyle factors - such as increased physical activity - can mitigate obesity genes.

The team pitted 14 obesity-related genetic traits against the effect of exercise and found being physically active substantially reduces the influence of genetic factors on a person’s body mass index (BMI).

 

Being physically active substantially reduces the influence of genetic factors on a person’s BMI

 

More specifically, physical activity can halt the human fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) by up to 75 per cent. 

Researchers say this link is feasible because the biological make-up of FTO is thought to be sensitive to environmental factors and exercise can change the expression pattern of genes in both muscle and fatty tissue.

The study authors reiterate the importance for health experts to include “vigorous” physical activity in obesity prevention programs for the “global fight against obesity.”

Data from over 17,000 people from six ethnic groups was looked at for the study. The scientists compared physical activity behaviours with BMI and the body adiposity index (BAI).

 

Data from over 17,000 people from six ethnic groups was looked at for the study.

 

David Meyre McMaster's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine in Ontario, Canada said: "This provides a message of hope for people with obesity predisposing genes that they can do something about it. 

“Our body weight destiny is not only written in our genetic blueprint. 

“These promising results encourage us to investigate how additional lifestyle factors, such as diet, stress and sleep patterns, may impact the genetic predisposition to obesity."

The research was published in the journal Scientific Reports.

  

Experts suggest obese people take up "vigorous" physical activity of up to five hours a week

 

This study is particularly pertinent as health experts warn obesity is set to boom over the next 15 years. A whopping 74 per cent of men and 64 per cent of women in UK are expected to be overweight by 2030.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) remarked the this rise will be problem “of enormous proportions” for the UK and other countries over the next decade and a half.

The Department of Health recommends most adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week, however the NHS recommended people who are obese or overweight take part in at least five hours of physical exercise every week.