The Fat Gene???

The question of the fat gene rolls on and on. Following an article in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, we are now all more informed.

On the question of whether our genes can make us fat or not the answer is yes… and no.

It was found that the FTO gene, the fat mass and obesity-associated gene, would have an effect and if stimulated can increase the likelihood of you becoming obese and developing type II diabetes.

According to the research, if both your parents carry the gene, you can develop a double copy of the gene and have a 2.5 times higher chance of becoming obese. Researchers found that 17% of the population had a double copy of the gene, and up to 40% had a single copy.

However, the big question is, if you have this gene are you destined to be fat? The answer is not necessarily.

It must be understood that we have a variety of genes for various different health conditions. For example we have a gene for breast cancer, a gene for alcoholism and a gene for obesity.

This does not mean we will automatically get these conditions.

Just because we have a predisposition for a certain condition does not mean that it will come to fruition, nor does it give us an excuse for being fat.

It’s important to understand that genes can be controlled. A gene must turn itself on for it to express itself. It’s also important to note that there are certain factors that decide whether a gene turns itself on or off.

The gene in question, the FTO gene, has shown itself to be suppressed by both diet and exercise. Alternatively, poor dietary choices and a lack of exercise have been shown to express this gene.

The researchers state that we must do all we can to suppress this gene. Their recommendations say that by living cleanly, eating healthily and consistently participating in regular exercise you can suppress this unwanted gene.

As Dr. Bryan Walsh says, “genetics load the gun, and the environment pulls the trigger”. Therefore it is down to a person to make their environment such that genes do not express themselves.

Can your genes make you fat? Yes they can, but you are in control. In order for good health to be present you must create an environment conducive to it.

Therefore if you’ve got a pair of fat genes/jeans you need to eat properly and get the exercise habit!