Scientists have identified several dozen genes that appear to be connected with obesity in humans. They think there may be as many as 200 altogether. That's bad news from the perspective of developing a simple diet pill or gene therapy to cure all obesity. But it also means that scientists are gaining a better understanding of the relationship between genetics and obesity. Genes contribute to obesity in many ways, for example, by affecting appetite, satiety (the sense of fullness), metabolism, food cravings, body-fat distribution, and the tendency to use eating as a way to cope with stress.
The strength of the genetic influence on weight disorders varies significantly from person to person. Research suggests that for some overweight people, genes account for just 25 percent of the predisposition to be overweight, while for others the genetic influence is as high as 70-80 perecent. No one can tell exactly how big a role genes play in your weight; doctors don't yet have the tools to measure it. However, you can make a rough estimate, based on your patterns of eating and exercising, your family history, and the length of time that you've been overweight.
People with only a moderate genetic predisposition to be overweight have a good chance of losing weight on their own by eating fewer calories and getting more vigorous exercise more often. These people are more likely to be able to maintain this lower weight.
In contrast, people with a strong genetic predisposition to obesity may not be able to lose weight with the usual forms of diet and exercise therapy. Even if they lose weight, they are unlikely to maintain the weight loss. For people with a very strong genetic predisposition, sheer willpower is ineffective in counteracting their tendency to be overweight. Typically, these people can only maintain weight loss under a doctor's guidance. They are the most likely to require weight-loss drugs or surgery.
Source: LHJ.com - Ladies’ Home Journal online
