Obesity Can Be Genetic

Over a period of years, many people have blamed their extra weight on their genes. "After all", they say, "my mother and father were fat. It just runs in our family." And the overweight are also very quick to point out the skinny family member who eats whatever while remarking that they gain weight just looking at the food.

But others contend that it is the lifestyle and not a gene that is inherited. The parents overeat or consume too many high calorie foods. These foods are served to the children who then form the habit of eating fattening foods and as a result become obese like the parents. They grow up and pass these habits onto their children and so the chain appears genetic.

However, a recent research study conducted in England has established that there definitely is a genetic factor connected to obesity. One hundred thirty-one four to five year old children were chosen to participate in the study, under the guidance of Jane Wardle of University College, London. All of the children were offered a plate of cookies after they had just finished consuming a meal. Some of the children ate the cookies. Others did not. Those who ate the cookies were found to have variations of the FTO gene.

Traditionally, scientists have found an association between FTO and obesity. Other studies have demonstrated that people who have two copies of the obese version of FTO tend to weigh more that those with other versions. These same people are also 70% more likely to be obese.

Wardle stated that she hopes this study will provide researchers new insights into the causes of childhood obesity so scientists and health authorities can work together to develop strategies to deal with the problem.

In the past, obesity, especially childhood obesity has not received a significant amount of attention from our educational and health agencies. But we now know that obesity is a risk factor for many other diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and many heart ailments.

The World Health Organization reports that 400 million people around the world are classified as obese. Educational and health agencies are also beginning to recognize the increase and seriousness of childhood obesity.

Today, the lives of both children and adults are far more sedentary than they used to be. People now while away many hours watching TV, using the computer and playing electronic games.

Schools are now starting to pay more attention to the problem of childhood obesity. Some schools have banned sodas and chips from their campuses. Many schools have started a "healthy snacks" campaign to educate children to make informed and sensible food choices. Other schools have implemented special physical education programs to provide exercises aimed at weight loss in addition to games such as volleyball and basketball. Health agencies are also targeting parents with educational materials on healthy snacks, proper food portions, counting calories and eating healthy.

Since childhood obesity often results in teasing and feelings of low self-esteem, children can worsen the problem by turning to food for 'comfort' as many adults also do. Developing strategies to eliminate childhood obesity, whether it is the result of genes or other factors, will also ensure our children grow up to be healthier, happier adults.

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