The Gene called FTO and it is found in chromosome number 16. If you inherited it, you are bound to be overweight or so the recently-written stories go. A closer look tells a new story.
University of North Carolina researchers reviewed over 50 genetic studies of nearly a quarter million people. They studied various factors involving the FTO gene and found some interesting information out along the way.
For starters, do you exercise regularly? Great! You just offset the effects of this gene by at least 30%.
Secondly, researchers noted that being born with FTO does not guarantee a life of Obesity (as was reported). In fact, those who have this gene only carry about 6 1/2 pounds extra versus those who do not.
Best of all, experts in the field say that genetic factors contribute to only about five percent of all cases of obesity. Maybe even less.
Doc’s Thoughts: Every single diet or healthy way of eating has 5 characteristics:
- Drink more water.
- Eat more green leafy veggies or greens in general.
- Eat more foods that contain healthy fats.
- Avoid sugar.
- Exercise regularly and live with passion. (I know. Technically this is not under the category of “eating” but fits here nevertheless.)
It is RARE that those who do not follow this have obesity issues. As this and other research is showing, genetics play a much lesser role as compared to behavior.
