Over the last 30 years there has been a significant increase in the number of people developing severe obesity. Certainly, the obesogenic environment in which we live has contributed to this ‘Obesity Epidemic’, but where does genetics play a role? Let’s explore the genetic reasons behind why a person may be predisposed to obesity.
Studies indicate that within a given environment the variation in body weight amongst the population is largely due to genetic factors.
Evidence of the genetic contribution to weight regulation comes from twin and family studies. For example:
• Identical twins separated at birth and living in different environments have very similar body weights as adults,
and
• Adopted children have body weights similar to their biological parents as opposed to their adoptive parents.
The heritability of body weight explained by genetic factors has been measured between 40-70%.
There are many genes that are associated with increased weight. Genetic variants influence food intake, satiety response, metabolic rate, energy effects of exercise, amongst others. People with obesity have a higher number of obesity risk variants compared to lean people who have a very low number of these variants.
This is why weight loss and maintenance can be so difficult; especially so for those who are living in larger bodies. You cannot control your genetic variants for weight, just as you cannot change your genes coding for eye colour!
Thankfully, we have some treatment options for managing overweight and obesity which won’t change your genes but will help your body to reduce weight and, most importantly, to maintain that weight loss.
At MedSurg Weight Loss we are passionate about patient education. We take the time to explain the science behind obesity and how the treatments we have available may work for you.
