Fat: Is it all in our genes? Simply put, genetics contribute, but we can modify the genetics. We all know people who seem to eat anything and everything yet stay slim. We know others that constantly fight their weight.
Why the sudden change in weight-loss philosophy? It?s simple. Scientists have learned that while willpower is important, much of what, when and how much we eat is dependent on our genes. In addition, the urge to exercise may also be related to the DNA we inherit.
When it comes to losing weight, we?re fighting against a body regulatory system that has evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to keep us functioning no matter how sparse food becomes. And, scientists have been learning, this genetic influence is stronger in some people than others.
As a prime example of the role of genetics, researchers point to two groups of Pima Indians, one living in Arizona and the other in Mexico?s Sierra Madre Mountains. The Pimas in Arizona have long been known for high rates of obesity, diabetes (almost 50 percent suffer from this disease) and high cholesterol.
The Pimas in Mexico, where food is more sparse and manual labor more common, tend to be lean and have a much lower rate of diabetes than those in Arizona. But despite their healthier lifestyles, the Mexican Pimas still have higher rates of obesity and diabetes than the general population, a finding that leads researchers to point to genes as the culprit.
Should we give up because genetics influence weight? I say no. We will not have specific therapies based on genetic understanding for some years, nonetheless, some patients do have success in weight control Patients should strive towards a healthy lifestyle; physicians should recommend healthy choices.
?At present, we?re at least five years away from having any therapeutic applications based on genes,? says Thomas Wadden, director of the Weight and Eating Disorders Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
Wadden is one of the weight-control experts who?s changed his mind on surgery.
?I used to think it was barbaric,? he says. ?Now I think it?s underutilized. If you?re extremely overweight, you should explore it.?
For those like Syrnick, who are overweight but not morbidly obese, the only options available now are calorie counting, exercise and the current generation of medications that make it a little easier to pass up that extra slice of cake.
