Fitness beats the obesity gene
Many people suffer from genetic tendencies for obesity and do not succeed in reducing their weight, and thus they blame the "obesity gene", but new American research claims that commitment to physical activity will not allow you to give more excuses, as physical fitness will overcome genetic traits.
“Obesity is a hereditary (genetic) trait” You must have heard this sentence before, from many people who have been struggling with being overweight for a long time. A new study finds that physical fitness may play an important role in negating the importance of the gene that causes obesity.
Let us introduce you to the details below:
Although genetic traits occupy a "respectable place" with people's tendency to gain weight, according to new research, maintaining physical training patterns can contribute a lot to fighting suffering from the obesity gene.
In an article published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the researchers claim that variants of the gene responsible for obesity (fat mass and obesity, or FTO) are known to be associated with an elevated BMI level.
The researchers also add that the presence of these different variants of the gene in a particular person means a high risk of obesity, by more than 20%.
In the same paper, the team of researchers, led by Professor Awande Rumphersaud of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, examined the effect of lifestyle on the weight of people with FTO.
The researchers examined the data of 704 people, men and women, from the Amish community in the United States, between the years 2003 and 2007. Their average age was 44 and - 53% of them were men. The examinations included DNA profiles, physiological examinations, stress and physical fitness tests.
In 54% of men and 64% of women, excess weight was found. In 31% of women, obesity was found.
Read more about: Obesity, its causes and treatment
The researchers divided the participants into two groups, one of which did physical training and the other did little fitness exercises.
The results showed that the group that trained consistently succeeded in burning 900 calories more than the members of the second group. The exercises of the first group included between three and four fitness exercises at a medium tempo level (such as brisk walking).
The researchers summarized:
"The research shows that although there are people who suffer from pre-existing tendencies to obesity, this tendency can be dealt with by persevering with consistent fitness training. The results emphasize the importance of physical activity in the general fight against obesity."