How To Prevent Genetic Obesity

(Ivanhoe Newswire) ““ As Americans become increasingly obese, it would be beneficial to everyone to take part in physical activity.  But a new study shows that it can be even more beneficial in those who are genetically predisposed to obesity.

The research used a cohort study of 20,430 people living in Norwich, UK and studied 12 different genetic variants that are known to increase the risk of obesity. Researchers studied how many of these variants came from either parent, then they assessed the overall susceptibility to obesity due to genetics. Most people had between 10 and 13 variants genetically. The researchers also looked at occupational and leisure time for each individual using a questionnaire.

They found that each additional genetic variant was associated with an increase in BMI, and the size of this affect was greater in inactive people.

These findings suggest that even a person who is genetically predisposed to obesity can still greatly benefit from a healthy life style.

SOURCE: PLoS Medicine, September 1, 2010