Genetic Obesity can be altered through Proper Physical Activity

Genetic Obesity can be altered through Proper Physical Activity

A meta-analysis has been conducted and recently published in Plos Medicine suggesting the effect of physical activity in a common genetic trait that causes obesity and fat mass. It was found out that physical activity can alter and modify the effect of our genes that causes weight gain. The effect of this certain gene diminishes among people who are physically active.

People always believe that one can never alter something that has been written in one's genetic code. The authors of the study would like to change the wrong perception of many people and inform thorough this study that something can still be done to alter one's genetic code. Our genes may cause weight gain but weight can be lost through intensive physical activity.

The news may be encouraging but the relevance of the study is still limited although screening for genomic research is now available. The result of gene screening may give the person an idea of how his/her lifetime risk of obesity is as compared to the general population average but it won't give lasting effect. Genetic screening will affect the social behavior of the person and won't mean any therapeutic decisions in an instant. The researchers urged the public to think many times before going to any genetic screening programs.

Posted by George Daniels on Thursday November 03 2011, 9:19 AM EST. Ref: J. Lennert Veerman. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0