Fat Gene: Can We Really Blame Our Genes?
This diet-blog post talks about the discovery of a 'fat gene'. As this dsicovery has slowly permeated itself out throught popular media channels, it's interesting to see the spin.
The London Evening Standard tells us it "It could revolutionise the way we diet".
Oh please - with respect to the scientists and their sterling work... We live in the most scientifically advanced age yet - so why is it that a large number of health problems (such as obesity) are also at their worst?
How will knowing that you have 'fat genes' lead you to have a better diet? Half the food on our supermarket shelves will lead to poor health - but does it stop us from eating the food?
The whole 'fat gene' thing seems to pop up in the news every now and then - but in all honesty - it means nothing to the average joe. Blaming your genes won't help you eat better, or lose fat. If you are one of those at a genetic disadvantage - take your eyes off the genetically superior and improve yourself one small goal at a time.
AMEN! nobody likes taking responsibility any more. It's not my fault I'm fat, Mcdonald's didn't tell me that Big Mac has so many calories! It's not fault, I'm out of shape...work takes up my whole day, so I don't have time to work out. And now the coup de gras...It's not the half gallon of ice cream i eat for dinner that makes me fat, I have the FAT GENE.
i'm 250 pound with 25% bodyfat. i'm by no means a model athlete. I know why i got out of shape and over-weight...I chose to stop going to the gym and start eating more fast food. So I started going to the gym and cooking more at home...and wholly crap, I'm losing weight and feeling healthier.
ReplyI'm with you Adam...no one wants to take any responsibility any more. See, here's the deal..I must have HAD the fat gene, but I don't anymore because I'm thin now? Explain that one. I took responsibility for my weight, started working out, eating less, and voila...I lost weight and have kept it off for 4 years. My family's all pretty heavy...gosh, they must have the Fat Gene! :P Society is so apathetic these days. The only cure for obesity is for people to get moving and eat less. Almost everyone eats more than they think they do...put down the tacos and pizza and pick up an apple, for cryin' out loud.
ReplyI don't know if there is a fat gene,but eating habits may be about genes.Because behaviours of old generations can affect new generations.You know behaviours and character are passed on by genes to the next generation.For example think of gay people.Homosexuality existed centuries ago.Homosexual behaviours of their ancestors may have been passed on to the descendants by genes.So I never blame gay people.Ancestors' behaviors become genetic trait of descendants.
ReplyDuring my 20s I ate very little and was hungry all the time. I exercised 3 hours a day. My sister and I ate the exact same diet and exact same exercise. I would lose 2 lbs, she would lose 5. When I began to eat a normal diet and exercise only an hour a day I immediatly began to put on weight. So in my 30s I began to gain weight.
ReplyIt hasn't stopped and I continued to gain weight.
EVERY person I know, family and friends would all testify that they do not see me stuff my face. I eat some junk like everybody and I would have to agree that it would cause me to game SOME weight. We do not have the income that would allow me to sneak out and buy food and eat behind closed doors. I broke my leg, my Dr said it hurt because I was over weight...no x-ray....until 2 months, which showed it was BROKEN.
A surgery got infected...I was told because I was over weight so no one would treat it. Finally a Dr said "You have an infection", gave me an atibiotic and Voila, infection is gone. I could come up with many more examples of Drs being LAZY!!
I'm sick of taking crap because I'm over weight and do not eat McDonald's more than anyone else, don't eat sweets (don't like them), am drinking diet drinks.
Eat fruits and salads. In fact, have IBS and nothing stays in me...so why aren't I losing weight????