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Blame it on your genes? Researchers from The Miriam Hospital'sWeight Control and Diabetes Research Center say individuals withvariations in certain " obesity genes" tend to eat more meals and snacks, consume more caloriesper day and often choose the same types of high fat, sugary foods. Their study, published online by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and appearing in the June issue, reveals certain variations withinthe FTO and BDNF genes - which have been previously linked toobesity - may play a role in eating habits that can cause obesity. The findings suggest it may be possible to minimize genetic risk bychanging one's eating patterns and being vigilant about foodchoices, in addition to adopting other healthy lifestyle habits,like regular physical activity. "Understanding how our genes influence obesity is critical intrying to understand the current obesity epidemic, yet it'simportant to remember that genetic traits alone do not mean obesityis inevitable," said lead author Jeanne M. McCaffery, Ph.D., of TheMiriam Hospital's Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center. "Our lifestyle choices are critical when it comes to determininghow thin or heavy we are, regardless of your genetic traits," sheadded. "However, uncovering genetic markers can possibly pinpointfuture interventions to control obesity in those who aregenetically predisposed." Previous research has shown individuals who carry a variant of thefast mass and obesity-associated gene FTO and BDNF (orbrain-derived neurotrophic factor gene) are at increased risk forobesity. The genes have also been linked with overeating inchildren and this is one of the first studies to extend thisfinding to adults. Both FTO and BDNF are expressed in the part ofthe brain that controls eating and appetite, although themechanisms by which these gene variations influence obesity isstill unknown. As part of the Look AHEAD (Action in Health and Diabetes) trial,more than 2,000 participants completed a questionnaire about theireating habits over the past six months and also underwentgeneotyping. Researchers focused on nearly a dozen genes that havebeen previously associated with obesity. They then examined whetherthese genetic markers influenced the pattern or content of theparticipants' diet. Variations in the FTO gene specifically were significantlyassociated with a greater number of meals and snacks per day,greater percentage of energy from fat and more servings of fats,oils and sweets. The findings are largely consistent with previousresearch in children. Researchers also discovered that individuals with BDNF variationsconsumed more servings from the dairy and the meat, eggs, nuts andbeans food groups. They also consumed approximately 100 morecalories per day, which McCaffery notes could have a substantialinfluence on one's weight. "We show that at least some of the genetic influence on obesity mayoccur through patterns of dietary intake," she said. "The good newsis that eating habits can be modified, so we may be able to reduceone's genetic risk for obesity by changing these eating patterns." McCaffery says that while this research greatly expands theirknowledge on how genetics may influence obesity, the data must bereplicated before the findings can be translated into possibleclinical measures. Additional References Citations. I am an expert from possignholder.com, while we provides the quality product, such as China Acrylic Sign Holder , China Table Top Sign Holders, Table Top Sign Holders,and more.
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