Obesity: Maybe You Can Blame Your Genes
Reuters reported that the scientists found that mice with an inactive FTO gene (sometimes dubbed the "obesity gene"):
...did not become obese and had less fat tissue overall because they burned off more calories even though they moved less and ate more.
The study, by Ulrich Ruther and colleagues at the University of Dusseldorf, was published in the journal Nature: Inactivation of the FTO gene protects from obesity.
The researchers believe that their study has broken new ground:
Taken together, these experiments provide, to our knowledge, the first direct demonstration that Fto is functionally involved in energy homeostasis by the control of energy expenditure.
In English rather than science-ese, that means that the mice with the FTO gene burn fewer calories at rest, whereas those without the gene burned extra calories despite a lack of exercise.
So if you think your genes could be to blame for your weight struggles, what can you do?
- Exercise regularly (the FTO gene doesn't appear to affect calories burned by exercise)
- Make sure you're only eating what you need
- Hope the scientists hurry up and create a drug to reverse the effects of the FTO gene ;-)
More like this in Science · Feb 25, 2009
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Interesting. So people with the FTO gene supposedly are more susceptible to gaining weight?
I guess you gotta roll with the punches and do whatever works for you.
ReplySorry to be cynical, but did this gene just suddenly pop up over the last couple decades? Last I knew we haven't mutated or taken any big genetic leaps, so I'm assuming we've always had this gene.
Given that 2/3 of our population (and growing) are overweight or obese, and an ever-growing number of kids, it's troubling to see scientists constantly blaming our genetic make-up rather than pointing the finger where it should...laziness and too much eating.
I understand that genetics play a role in fat loss/fat gain, but scientists are just reaching for a "breakthrough" so they can make a pill.
And given the track record of pharmaceuticals when it comes to weight loss, I don't trust they'll come up with something any time soon.
ReplyGenerations ago, what good would a genetic predisposition to obesity do? You wouldn't become largely obese because there was too much daily activity.
For our ancestors, this FTO gene was a boon that helped surviving, easier storage of fat.
In today's world, those that have it are likely to become fat with the same lifestlye as those who do not have it and remained thin.
We do not understand everything of weight/nutrition so I'd say derisive words such as lazy is a gross oversimplification.
I have recently lost weight. However, I spent years running/bicycling/weight lifting - running 26.2 mile marathons, etc... and still being overweight (not quite obese, my activity level protected me from that despite genetics) - I'd count Calories and hated it, spent most my time light headed. Recently I lost weight by changing my perspective and the Calorie is a Calorie theory and completely cutting out processed foods... my activity level is still much higher than average but lower than it used to be at about 45 miles per week running and 3-4 hours weight training... but loss.
To me, that is proof that there is MUCH we do not know and much we still need to learn. Onwards research! Knowledge is power, always.
And those who might use this as an excuse rather than confirmation they just need to work harder, well, people will always find an excuse if they want one. Can't blame research for that.
ReplyAaaah... I don't fit into my jeans because of my genes...
To agree with The Fit Dad, that "scientists are just reaching for a "breakthrough" so they can make a pill", makes a whole lot of sense, giving the gullibility and quest for magic cures of modern day society.
Genes do certainly have some consequence, as it is with endowing us with certain body types... Ectomorphs and Endomorphs are then the mice with the inactive genes I take it... And Mesomorphs are just the ones who need to realize their potential with some hard work...
WE are NOT rodents, and we do have a choice, and we do have the power of consequence in our own hands... So, even if genes may have a role to play, let nobody on a quest, and who reads this article, be discouraged... It is 99% up to you.
Don't buy the FTO activating pill! :-)
ReplyYes, we have genes that predispose us to obesity. However, it is how those genes are expressed in the womb and with lifestyle choices that deems which genes are to be expressed. This is called epigenetics. Controlling the epigenetic pathways by keeping our genes from expressing themselves negatively is the key. This is where the direction of all of the new research is going. Bonnie Minsky MA, MPH, CNS, LDN
ReplyNow that is fascinating. I tried very hard to avoid simple sugars in pregnancy because the research that suggests that an unhealthy diet in pregnancy (more and more common in the modern world) cause the genes that lead to excess craving of fatty, sugary foods and obesity to activate.
ReplyIt amazes me the people who get pregnant and decide they want to build their baby on fast food and icecream! Like deciding to build a house with corkboard and glue.
Genetics and evolution were my passion in university. I remember very clearly one professor saying a few times that genetics may be the bullet, but we pull the trigger.
There are people out there that are more predisposed to storing extra fat, but nothing put that donut in their hand.
ReplyI would suspect that people that have this active gene would need to exercise more than the person with the nonactive gene. I had to exercise more than the usual person just to maintain, and it was no fun. Fortunately for me I found that reducing my carb intake allows me to live "normally" without having to be hungry, I can exercise normally and not suffer. I'm one of those that can gain 40 pounds from Thanksgiving to the New Year. For me, it's the carbs, not the fat.
ReplyAFAIK: No, you cannot blame your genes.
ReplyThere are indeed people who can eat more than they need without becoming fat.
But if you eat healthily, you won't get fat, whatever your genes are.
If you are dyslexic, you can still (and still need to) learn to read. It will just take more effort.
If you have "bad genes", you can still (and still need to) be healthy and fit. It will just take more effort.
Don't make up excuses for yourself. Find a way.
ReplyHaving a "fat gene" actually makes sense to me. I have friends who eat like a horse and never gain a pound. I exercise regularly but if I indulge too much I can see it instantly on my hips. Not saying that having the fat gene throws the whole personal responsibility thing out the window or anything... but I really believe that weight loss is so much more than consuming less calories than you burn. We're living, breathing organisms, not machines!
ReplyHaving a gene that makes it easier to become obese would definitely be an advantageous trait, which is probably why so many people have the gene in the population. But as Nutrocon said, it's gene expression that ultimately affects what our genes "say". You can have a library full of classic literature, but what good is it if no one reads it? It's the same way with genes...if you're not making the RNA that the DNA codes for, it's largely just useless information. Some people have to exercise more in order to maintain a normal body weight, but for the most part everybody has the ability to be of a normal body weight. Maybe not everyone can be superskinny, but I think the vast majority of people can indeed get to a normal body weight with moderate exercise and a diet rich in non-processed foods.
ReplyThe fat Gene has very little to do with fat weight loss of today, because since 1950, Americans have become fatter and fatter. 90% of all fat Americans are fat because of the over 15,000 man made toxins and chemicals that they put into he food we all eat.
Check the lable of any food in the grocery and you will find poisonous chemicals like: modified corn starch, corn syrup, hydrogenated ? or partially hydrogenated ? sugar substitutes, etc.
The food manufacturers and the diet industry are working together to keep Americans fat with these man made poisons, toxins, and chemicals.
ReplyDon't forget the government!
Reply