Obesity - To The Barrier! The Genetic Superman Diet - Research, Quality Of Life

Research has confirmed that a genetic predisposition to obesity exists. Moreover, its effect on body mass index (BMI) increases from childhood to early adolescence. However, getting rid of excess weight, as well as defeating depression, even if you find out about your predisposition in adulthood, is quite possible

Genes are everything?

Modern genetic testing can help establish relationships. People interested in genealogy now take these tests. Also, testing can reveal the risks of certain diseases. And while news that you have distant relatives in Australia is usually associated with positive emotions and a desire to make contacts, then reports of a possible predisposition to obesity can have both positive and negative effects. Scientific evidence not only confirms this, but also gives hope for the successful clearance of the “genetic bomb”.

The researchers conducted an experiment in which participants were shown colorful photographs of various culinary masterpieces after a heavy meal in order to whet their appetite.

First, we tested the reaction of carriers of two gene variants with a high risk of obesity. It turned out that the brains of these participants reacted more actively to food than the brains of those who had no “defective” genes.

It cannot be denied that genetics make these people more vulnerable to food temptations. Their appetite wakes up faster, which is noticeable by an increase in the level of the hormone of hunger - ghrelin

Unfortunately, if a person finds out that he has obesity genes, and close relatives also have excess weight, then depression and thoughts may arise that resistance to weight is useless.

Weight Management Secrets

However, it has recently been found that obesity-prone people can both easily gain weight and lose weight easily.

A twenty-year study conducted by scientists at Harvard University convincingly proves that people who are genetically predisposed to overweight are the most successful in losing extra pounds

Published in the British Journal of Medicine, a study of nearly 14,000 people between 1986 and 2006 confirms that people with the highest genetic risk were able to manage their weight by 70% more effectively than those without risks.

The researchers' conclusion is optimistic - dietary interventions can reduce genetic effects on the body at the molecular level. The appropriate psychological attitude and motivation to become slimmer especially helps in this.

Dr. Louise Ells of Teesside University in Middlesbrough confirms: “Genetic predisposition is not a barrier to successful weight management. And the reason for the failure lies not in the field of genetics, but in an incorrectly selected dietary accompaniment or in violations of the regime."

Another meta-analysis of eight studies confirmed that carriers of the obesity-related genotype responded equally positively to exercise, dietary intervention, and obesity drug therapy.

It's never too late to start exercising

Traditionally, a slowdown in metabolism is associated with age. And many women tend to blame genetics for increasing the waist. But new research data partially refutes this opinion.

It turns out that the ability to overcome genetic predisposition to obesity through motivation, the attitude to exercise, only grows with age

The results of the new research are published by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). In the article "Physical activity alters the genetic susceptibility to obesity in postmenopausal women," based on a study of more than eight thousand women, it is proved that physical activity reduces the effect of a genetic predisposition to obesity.

It is indicative that the most significant effect was observed in the oldest age group (women aged 70 and over). Such a result should inspire optimism in older ladies and suggests that they never give up in the struggle for beauty and health.

Exercise helps maintain muscle mass, bone balance and strength, and works on brain cells to improve mood, concentration and cognition

Regardless of age, genes, or waist fat, regular exercise can have a positive effect on weight and health.

Genetic passports of the future

Knowledge of genetics is needed in order to reduce the risks of subsequent weight gain and avoid the yo-yo effect. This is a rather complicated process that includes the work of a psychologist and a nutritionist. So with the help of cognitive-behavioral therapy, the mechanisms of human behavior change.

Soon, people from many countries will have genetic passports. What are they needed for?

With the help of genetic passports, we can more easily monitor our health and adjust the diet, daily routine, and form new habits.

Feast of permissiveness

Scientists are constantly finding new relationships between genes, health, and habits. Let's say an addiction to a certain food, like a spicy-salty spread.

Increasingly accurate research is helping us learn about our genetic makeup and avoid eating too much

I wonder how people behave when studies reveal a low hereditary predisposition to obesity? Experiments show that after the participants find out about this, they go all out - they gorge themselves on unhealthy food. And those with unfortunate genes are more likely to follow a healthy diet after research.

This psychological "genetic superman" effect gives people a false sense of security. They believe that genes are everything and that there is no need to worry about diet and exercise. You can guess the results of this lifestyle for yourself.

Inherited depression

In another study, researchers examined how information about genetic predisposition to obesity affects the development of depression. Participants were informed that they had a tendency to develop depression or not, at random, which in reality was not true.

People who were told of a predisposition to depression recalled more negative episodes from the past than those who were told that they had no genetic risk of developing depression.

After learning about the genetic predisposition to depression, impressionable people can begin to exaggerate any symptoms. This factor must be taken into account by a specialist and asked the client if he has recently undergone genetic testing.

Depression is indeed inherited. A person without a family history of depression has a 10% risk of developing depression. But if your parents or siblings had depression, the risk rises to 20 or 30%

Obesity red light

Scientists have found 44 genetic variations associated with depression. But there is also good news - the influence of genetics on the occurrence of depression is generally limited to 40%. This means that the remaining 60% is accounted for by the external environment and lifestyle.

For example, a Nature Genetics study found that a high body mass index - an indicator of obesity - may increase the risk of developing serious depression.

This can be due to many psychophysical factors:

• rejection of your own body;
• discomfort, pain;
• inconvenience in everyday life due to excess weight.

All of these factors can trigger the development of depression.

Smoking and alcoholism also cause changes in the brain, putting you at risk for depression. But regular exercise, such as strength training or yoga, diet and regimen, can positively influence mood and prevent depression.

Future roadmap

Undoubtedly, genetic testing will become more and more available to many people over time. But it is not just data that is important, but their correct interpretation and specific recommendations for improving the quality of life

The genetic roadmap will help us with this. Its creation is a matter of the near future, the researchers are sure.

Sources:

• bmj.com/company/newsroom/benefits-of-a-healthy-diet-greater-in-people-at-high-genetic-risk-for-obesity/
• telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/01/10/no-excuses-dieting-works-better-obesity-family-study-finds/
• eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-05/tnam-ebg051618.php
• sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666317309807
• psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-48283-003