Obesity is one of the most pressing concerns in the world. The subject has been studied for decades, especially recently, due to the gradual increase in the number of overweight people. Many experts put forward the idea that the genetic factor is decisive on this ground.
Although there is ample evidence of the influence of genes on obesity, the question is still under debate. It is clear that children of obese parents have a higher probability of becoming obese, but lifestyle can also become a determining factor.
An interesting study
At the last European Obesity Congress (ECO 2024), research from UiT Arctic University in Norway was presented and proved to be very revealing. The study, led by Dr. Mari Mikkelsen, followed the relationship between the body mass index (BMI) of parents and that of their adult children.
The objective was assess whether obesity is hereditary or the result of learned behaviors at home. The team of scientists relied on data from the Tromso Study, a long-term population health survey in Norway. People aged 40 to 59 participated with their parents.
Researchers sought to determine whether obesity, which begins in many cases during childhood or adolescence, was maintained until middle age in the case of children of obese parents. All participants had been away from their parental home for several years. Finally, the relationship between lifestyle and obesity was investigated.
Important revelations
The Tromso study provided conclusive data. He determined that There is a strong correlation between the body mass index of parents and that of their children. in middle age. Children of obese parents were up to six times more likely to be obese than those whose parents did not have the condition.
If only one parent was obese, the odds were 3 to 1.slightly lower if the mother was obese. The results were adjusted taking into account variables such as age, gender, education level and physical activity level of both parents and children.
The results of this study led to the conclusion that genetics plays a major role in obesity. However, researchers noted that obesity-promoting environments also exert a notable influence.
Environment and education
It’s clear that genetics can predispose people to store more fat or have a less efficient metabolism. However, according to Dr. Mari Mikkelsen, children of obese parents not only inherit this genetic predisposition, but also It is very likely that they will also adopt habits similar to those of their parents.such as high-calorie diets and lack of physical activity.
It should also be taken into account that there are studies in which, if a child or adolescent is obese, it is more likely that they will suffer from the same condition in adulthood. In other words, Obesity in children and youth is a predictor of obesity in adulthood. This means that genetic predispositions and early acquired habits are persistent.
It is very likely that genes are more difficult to counteract than other environmental factors.. This brings us to a key question: Is nature (genetics) more powerful than nurture (environment) in the development of obesity? The answer is not simple because it is more common for both factors to be present in obese people.
However, as with other genetic predispositions, A healthy lifestyle contributes significantly to mitigating the effect of genes. A healthy diet and physical activity can also counteract the influences of genetics.
Interactions between genetics and environment
Researchers are currently studying how genetics and environment interact with each other. For example, some people may be more susceptible to the negative effects of an unhealthy environment due to their genetics. This is called “gene-environment interaction”. In this way, a person with a genetic predisposition to obesity may see the effects of an environment favoring a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet amplified.
Furthermore, it has been identified that the “obesity phenotype” can vary depending on the environment. In some cultures, obesity may be seen as a sign of success and abundance, which can influence individual and social perceptions of it. That is, cultural norms can also influence how people perceive their own bodies and their health.
Conclusion
Ultimately, tackling obesity requires a holistic approach that takes into account both biological and environmental factors. Education, promotion of healthy habits and access to adequate resources are essential to helping people achieve and maintain a healthy weight, regardless of their genetic background.
Recommended Reading
Genetic aspects of obesity
Genetics and obesity
