One gene or many? Rarely, obesity occurs in families according to a clear inheritance pattern caused by changes in a single gene. The most commonly implicated gene is MC4R, which encodes the melanocortin 4 receptor.
Whereas dominant inheritance of obesity is the most typical pattern, recessive patterns of inheritance can occur, and this may reflect the specific effects of particular mutations on the functional properties of the mutant receptor.
Previously, it has been reported that the genetic variants in ADIPOQ, CETP, FTO, LEP, and LEPR genes are strongly correlated with obesity and associated metabolic complications in different ethnicities of the world [9, 10, 22–30].
Mutations in the various genes involved in this pathway have been identified to be causal for obesity. The integration of the various peripheral and central signals in the hypothalamus is critical to the weight regulation.
However, despite the possibility of genetic abnormalities causing obesity, it's quite rare. Genetic factors play only a small part in your propensity to gain weight and become obese. However, obesity does tend to run in families. This is often due to environment.
You may be eligible for the Uncovering Rare Obesity® program, a genetic testing program sponsored by Rhythm Pharmaceuticals. This program offers eligible individuals in the United States or its territories a genetic test and two genetic counseling sessions (one before and one after the test) at no charge.
At its most basic, of course, obesity results when someone regularly takes in more calories than needed. The body stores these excess calories as body fat, and over time the extra pounds add up. Eat fewer calories than the body burns, weight goes down.
Genetic influences
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%. Having a rough idea of how large a role genes play in your weight may be helpful in terms of treating your weight problems.
A genetic predisposition to obesity can be overcome, in part, by having a physically active lifestyle.
A Slower Metabolism
Eating too few calories can cause your metabolism to slow down, meaning you won't burn as much fat off when you engage in physical activity. Your body requires energy when you walk, work out, think, breathe, and… well, just about everything!
Several factors can play a role in gaining and retaining excess weight. These include diet, lack of exercise, environmental factors, and genetics.
Is it possible to be overweight and healthy? Silvana Pannain, MD: Yes, you can be overweight and metabolically healthy. At the same time, we know that obesity is a disease that affects the body in many different ways. Thirteen types of cancer and 200 other health conditions are related to obesity.
Eighty percent said individuals were primarily to blame for the rise in obesity. Parents were the next-most blameworthy group, with 59% ascribing primary blame. Responses fell along three dimensions related to individual responsibility, agribusiness responsibility, and government-farm policy.
The treatment of genetic obesity has so far been based on environmental control, starting as early as possible, to avoid obesity progression and to help the acquisition of appropriate eating and exercise behavior.
Genetic tests are done using a blood or spit sample and results are usually ready in a few weeks. Because we share DNA with our family members, if you are found to have a genetic change, your family members may have the same change.
The findings suggest that over 6,000 genes -- about 25 percent of the genome -- contribute to help determine an individual's body weight. This high degree of complexity suggests that a quick fix to the obesity problem is unlikely.
How muscular you are: A few people have high BMIs but don't have much body fat. Their muscle tissue pushes up their weight. An example: "A football player or a body builder who is very muscular. Their BMI shows up pretty high, and yet their body fat is actually pretty low," Kahan says.
BMI isn't perfect
It often identifies fit, muscular people as being overweight or obese. That's because muscle is more dense than fat, and so weighs more. But muscle tissue burns blood sugar, a good thing, while fat tissue converts blood sugar into fat and stores it, a not-so-good thing.
Reducing calories and practicing healthier eating habits are key to overcoming obesity. Although you may lose weight quickly at first, steady weight loss over the long term is considered the safest way to lose weight. It's also the best way to keep weight off permanently.
Choosing healthier foods (whole grains, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and protein sources) and beverages. Limiting unhealthy foods (refined grains and sweets, potatoes, red meat, processed meat) and beverages (sugary drinks) Increasing physical activity. Limiting television time, screen time, and other “sit time”
However, other studies show that while consuming 1,000 calories a day may result in significant weight loss, most people cannot sustain it and often experience significant weight regain . The reasons include regaining lost muscle mass and increased appetite. Also worth noting is that the human body can adapt.
Foods that are loaded with low-calorie vegetables and fruits can be included in a 500-calorie diet. You can make vegetable soup, vegetable salad, fruit salad with low-fat yogurt, or a portion of grilled chicken or fish with grilled veggies for lunch or dinner to satisfy your hunger pangs.