Obesity is closely linked to genetics and environmental factors. The newest studies in the field of epigenetics further our understanding of the effect of the environment on genetics.
A person's build depends largely on genetic factors, which is why it is difficult for a naturally thin person to put on weight. The human body can change to a limited extent through weight training and increased food intake. Gaining or regaining weight can be just as difficult as losing weight.
The scientists found that thin people have a variant of what's known as the ALK gene. It's this variant of the gene that facilitates a resistance to weight gain, no matter what diet you're on, a finding suggested by follow-up experiments with mice and flies.
Genetic influences
The strength of the genetic influence on weight disorders varies quite a bit from person to person. Research suggests that for some people, genes account for just 25% of the predisposition to be overweight, while for others the genetic influence is as high as 70% to 80%.
Low body weight can be due to a variety of health conditions, including: Genetics. If you've been thin since high school and it runs in your family, it's likely that you were born with a higher-than-usual metabolism. You also may have a naturally small appetite.
In the largest study of its kind to date, Cambridge researchers have looked at why some people manage to stay thin while others gain weight easily. They have found that the genetic dice are loaded in favour of thin people and against those at the obese end of the spectrum.
Unfortunately, less than one in 50 people fall into the naturally slim category. Professor John Speak-man, who led the study from the University of Aberdeen, said: “Often when people talk to super-lean individuals, they say that they can eat whatever they want.
At the same time, the proportion of underweight people fell more modestly, by around a third in both men (13.8 percent to 8.8 percent) and women (14.6 percent to 9.7 percent).
Kids with two thin parents were twice as likely to be thin themselves compared to kids with two parents at the heavy end of a healthy weight range. And kids with overweight or obese parents were progressively less likely to be thin.
What are the risks of being underweight? If you are underweight, you may be at greater risk of certain health conditions, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength, hypothermia and lowered immunity. You are more likely to die at a younger age.
This can be boiled down to good genes with a high metabolism, although experts say nutritional and behavioural factors could play a part to stave off the extra pounds of a person's body weight.
“All genes have two versions,called alleles. We might think of weight-related genes as having a 'skinny' and 'curvy' allele. Thinner parents are likely to have more of the skinny alleles,increasing the chance of passing them on to their children.
Peeking into your future isn't as simple as taking a look at your mom. Studies suggest that while your genes may determine up to 80 percent of your weight and body shape, environment and personal choice still play a significant role. Peeking into your future isn't as simple as taking a look at your mom.
Hundreds of genes have been found that increase the chance of a person being overweight and in some people faulty genes can cause severe obesity from a young age.
(Reminder: A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight, 18.5 to 25 is considered "normal," 25 to 30 is considered "overweight," and 30+ is considered "obese," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Some common synonyms of skinny are gaunt, lanky, lank, lean, rawboned, scrawny, and spare. While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality.
Many people assume that having a smaller body or lower body weight is a sign of good health. But this is a common misconception. A person's weight is just one of many factors that influences their health. And, what's more, a low body weight can come with real health risks.
After the yearlong study, findings showed that heavier men with obvious bellies were able to last for an average of 7.3 minutes in bed, while thinner men barely lasted for two minutes, being more likely to suffer from premature ejaculation.
Being overweight is caused by many factors. These factors include how much food you eat, environmental factors, how active you are, and your genes. It has been proven that not just one type of gene but many different genes are linked with being overweight and even with being obese.
Eat a lot of calories
In order to bulk up, you need to be eating more calories than you're burning. This means eating a lot of food! Skinny guys should focus on eating nutrient-dense foods that are high in calories, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.
Our genetics do have a fairly large impact on how we look, though. Some guys have narrower bone structures, or thinner bones, or different muscles that lag behind or shoot ahead. The trick is to take your structure as it is, and then fill it out with as much muscle as you want.