Posted on January 8, 2008 in Latest News
Most of the obesity research scientists opine that genetics and environmental factors do not cause obesity instead these factors influence obesity. In fact, they do increase a person’s chances of becoming overweight or obese. However, genetics plays a role, leading to the theory that obesity is influenced by genetic diversity interacting with environmental changes.
Is There Really A Genetic Cause?
Many claim that there is a genetic cause for obesity. Not necessarily. Most families share their way of life with each other. If parents overeat and do not exercise, chances are their children will be the same way. But there does seem to be a genetic factor that affects the metabolism. Some people are simply born with a slower or faster metabolism than others. This is why some can eat and eat without gaining an ounce, while others feel as though if they look at food, they gain weight. This is possibly a genetic reason for obesity. There is no cure for genetics, but those dealing with a slower metabolism need to learn how much food their body needs, and make sure they are feeding themselves the right type of food.
How do Genes Cause Obesity?
Genes can cause obesity as they control a number of body processes such as metabolic rate, storage of fat, production of hormones and blood-glucose metabolism etc. Faster accumulation of fat, inefficient usage of body fat as fuel is influenced by genes.
Obvious environmental changes have led people to think that a person’s genetics have had little or nothing to do with the recent surge in obesity. Although it is unlikely that there has been a surge in the frequency of genes that cause obesity, genetics does influence body weight. The ability to capture, circulate, and accumulate energy in the human body is so finely regulated that genetics must be involved.
Scientists have discovered some of the genes which influence obesity and the research is going on to discover more. However, scientists say that behavioral factors and genetic factors combined are responsible for obesity. Inspite of the genetic factors which may be making one obese, making environmental changes by eating well and being active is the best way to overcome obesity.
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