What you do changes gene effects on obesity

We have long known that who we become is a mixture of nature (our genetic make-up) and nurture (our lifestyle choices). Did you know research now shows us our nurture can actually change our nature, well more precisely the expression of our nature? Your lifestyle habits can turn genes that you have on or off. So even though you may have a genetic make up that is going against you, your lifestyle habits can reduce the expression of those genes. Guess we can’t always blame our mom and dad for everything, looks like we need take some self responsibility as well.

A recent study was reported by lead author Dr Qibin Qi (Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA) that linked these genetic expression changes with exercise and sedentary lifestyle habits. (see the press release here) The findings showed that increasing leisure-time activity and reducing sedentary behaviors such as watching television will both independently reduce genetic predisposition to obesity. This is great news for those of you that are concerned that you may have a “fat” gene. By reducing sedentary habits such as sitting and watching TV and getting more exercise you can significantly reduced the effect of your genetic predisposition toward obesity. How do you know if you have this genetic make up that might lead you toward obesity? Well currently genetic testing is pretty expensive, but if you have family members that struggle with obesity that might be a sign you have some genetic risks. So get more activity and less sedentary time in front of a TV. Even if you don’t have the genetic risk, your body will thank you for helping it get healthier.

Obviously the TV itself is not what causes the problem, but the sedentary life style of sitting or lying down for 4-5 hours a day in front of a TV is a problem. So instead of sitting and watching at least get up and exercise and move a little more if you watch that much TV. And of course better yet, go out for 30-60 minutes of some healthy activity, (brisk walking, playing ball with your kids or do some yard work) then watch TV if you must.