Gaining Weight and Genetics – How Knowing Your Genetics Can Help You with Weight Management
Human obesity is a very common disease influenced by the interaction of multiple factors such as environment, genetics and dietary factors. Every obese person aims to reduce weight by using various approaches such as managing dietary habits, physical exercises and diet pills. However, knowledge about the link between genetics and obesity eases the process of weight management. Here is a discussion on various genes that play role in causing obesity.
Genetic approach for understanding obesity
Genetic information coded by DNA(deoxyribonucleic acid) determines the physiological functions within living organisms. A small piece of DNA coding for a particular protein is termed as gene. A change of single nucleotide within the gene sequence increases the susceptibility or resistance to a particular disease. However, obesity is not caused by variations in one single gene but rather by a polygenic effect due to interaction of multiple genes. Altered genes responsible for increasing the susceptibility to disease (obesity in this case) are termed as susceptibility genes. These genes work in association with environmental factors such as diet, smoking and physical activity. Children of obese parents with susceptibility genes are at very high risk of developing obesity. This is due to inheritance of susceptibility genes by children from the parents.
Susceptibility genes responsible for obesity
Obesity is either directly or indirectly linked to about 425 genes. These genes exert effects on energy metabolism control, the extent of food intake, metabolic and signalling pathways and synthesis of fats. These effects in turn regulate the extent of fat deposition and hence, body weight.
Genes regulating the energy metabolism: ADRβ2, ADRβ3, PPARs, FABP etc.
Genes regulating the extent of food intake: NPY, CCK, POMC, MCH, etc.
Genes regulating the metabolic and signalling pathways: PPAR, FABP, PKA, c/EBP, etc.
Of all the above genes, variations in the genes encoding for β-adrenergic receptors and LEPR are mainly responsible for obesity.
How to use genetic information for weight management
Efficient weight management is possible by knowing the genetic composition of the DNA. For example, some of the common means for losing weight are consuming low carbohydrate diet, low fat diet and increased physical activity. You might be confused which one to choose.
Just undergo a Genetic Testing. If the results indicate modification of genes regulating the synthesis of beta-adrenergic receptors, then you must make efforts to burn more energy. Wondering why? Here is a simple explanation.
Beta adrenergic receptors are present on cell membranes of many cells. Upon binding of appropriate substrate, they mobilize the stored energy. This energy expenditure is achieved in the form of fat degradation and heat generation in brown adipose tissues. Hence, any modification of the genes coding for these receptors hinders the process of energy mobilization. This increases the risk of weight gain. Thus, individuals with defective ADRβ2, ADRβ3 genes should follow a routine physical activity to avoid weight gain.
This Article is written by Lena Butler, the author of TestCountry Articles a longer version of this article is located at Gaining Weight and Genetics – How Knowing Your Genetics Can Help You with Weight Management, and resources from other home health and wellness testing articles are used such as Genetic Testing.
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