It’s not YOU. Obesity is genetic.

It’s a curious fact that 80% of obesity is a genetic predisposition. It’s also important to acknowledge what makes a complex relationship with food your normative behaviour. There are even direct links to how even your brain chemistry can increase your consumption of the wrong foods.

Inherited Genetic Variants:

• Gene Variants: Research has identified several gene variants associated with obesity. For example, variations in the FTO gene and MC4R gene have been linked to increased appetite and reduced satiety, making it easier for individuals to consume more calories than they expend.

• Heritability: Studies of families and twins suggest that 40–70% of the variation in body weight may be explained by genetic factors. This does not mean that obesity is solely determined by genes, but that genetics can significantly influence one’s susceptibility.

• Regulation of Metabolism and Fat Storage:

  • Energy Balance: Genes affect how our bodies process food, how efficiently we convert food into energy, and how energy is stored as fat. Some individuals may have a naturally slower metabolism due to genetic factors.

  • Hormonal Regulation: Genes influence the production and function of hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger and fullness. Disruptions in these hormonal signals can lead to overeating and weight gain.

• Brain Reward Systems:

  • Genetic factors can also affect the brain’s reward pathways. Individuals with certain genetic predispositions may experience a stronger reward response from high-calorie foods, leading to increased consumption.

Other Factors Influencing a Predisposition to Becoming Overweight

• Environmental Factors:

  • Diets high in calories but low in nutrients, especially those high in sugars and fats, lead to weight gain. Easy access to fast food and processed snacks can make genetic factors worse.

  • Physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles, commonly caused by modern jobs and technology, lower calorie burn, which can result in weight gain, even for those with a genetic tendency.

  • Urban design that restricts physical activity, such as few sidewalks, parks, or recreational areas, can lead to obesity.

• Socioeconomic Factors:

  • Income and Education: People with lower income often have less access to healthy food and safe places to exercise. Money worries can also lead to unhealthy eating habits.

  • Cultural norms and practices about food and exercise can influence eating habits and lifestyle choices.

• Behavioral and Psychological Factors:

  • Stress and Mental Health: Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to emotional eating or binge eating, further contributing to weight gain.

  • Sleep Patterns: Inadequate sleep has been linked to hormonal imbalances that increase appetite, particularly for high-calorie foods.

• Biological Factors:

  • Gut Microbiome: Emerging research suggests that the composition of gut bacteria may influence energy extraction from food and fat storage, potentially affecting body weight.

  • Endocrine Disruptors: Certain chemicals in the environment can disrupt hormones and metabolism, leading to weight gain.

• Developmental Factors:

  • Early-Life Influences: Factors like a mother’s nutrition, breastfeeding, and early food exposure during pregnancy and childhood can influence the risk of obesity later in life.