Although the main causes of obesity are low activity and overeating, errors in the FTO and MC4R genes can increase the risk of overeating and weight gain. This was told socialbites.ca by a bioinformatician at MyGenetics.
“Vivid examples of the influence of genetics on overweight are the FTO and MC4R genes. First, it regulates the amount of the satiety hormones in the blood – leptin and ghrelin. Normally, when eating, the brain signals that you are full. If the FTO is disrupted, the signal comes with a long delay, so you risk eating more than you need.” A number of studies have reported that carriers of the defective FTO gene variant weigh, on average, 3kg more than carriers of the normal genotype. Such people do not feel full for long periods of time and tend to overeat. According to MyGenetics, 17.7% of Russians has the option, ”explained Levina socialbites.ca.
Another gene, MC4R, is responsible for feeling full after eating and suppressing hunger. If there is a deterioration in it, the feeling of fullness passes quickly, as a result of which you always want to eat something else. 4.9% of Russians (according to MyGenetics) are characterized by a constant feeling of hunger and desire to eat.
“Of course, the most common cause of overweight is low activity and excess calories. In addition, the cause of excess weight may be hormonal imbalances and medications. But genetic factors may also play a role: A child’s risk of obesity increases if at least one parent suffers from this disease, ”Levina said.
The bioinformatician added that the effect of genetic factors on weight is particularly strong during childhood. This is because it is difficult for a child to distinguish a true feeling of hunger from boredom, sadness, or even thirst. Therefore, it is important from childhood to teach a child to listen to his body and take into account the peculiarities of genetics.
“The presence of genetic risk factors does not necessarily mean that a child will be obese. It just shows a predisposition. You can compensate for the peculiarities of genetics with a lifestyle and good habits, ”Levina concluded.
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