The cause of obesity: genetics or lifestyle?

Many people believe that if their relatives were or are obese, this will surely become a problem for them too. At least this is the explanation often used by obese people to explain their condition, that is, that the genes are to blame.

There are therefore two sides: those who believe in genetics as the cause of obesity and those who maintain that the cause of excess weight is a wrong lifestyle. Which field is right?

Recent research shows that genetic predisposition is not always the verdict and cause of obesity. Lifestyle can play a much more important role in this matter than genetics.

As part of an American study on the topic «the causes of obesity?» they analyzed the situation of 2,500 people from childhood to adulthood between 1985 and 2010. Dr. Venkatesh Murthy, head of the research team, says that for the people included in the case study, in most cases, lifestyle, and not genetics, became the cause of obesity.

According to the researcher, genetics has a certain influence, but the role of other factors is much more important.

We cannot inherit obesity, but only a predisposition to it.

This means that we ourselves create conditions favorable to the appearance of excess weight: by eating the wrong foods or overeating, when we lead a passive lifestyle, if we sit for hours in front of the computer, etc.

Regardless of your genetic code, the best solution for your health and tone is a balanced and appropriate diet, which I present in more detail in this section of the blog, as well as moderate physical activity. Live healthy!