The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, looked at data from 17,400 people across from six ethnic groups (South Asian, East Asian, European, African, Latin American, Native North American) and from different 17 countries. Data was collected from over a three-year period.
To assess the effect of exercise on a genetic predisposition the team looked at 14 genes that predispose an individual to be obese. The data showed that being physically active can lower the genetic effect of the obesity gene FTO, a major contributor to obesity, by up to 75%.
Despite growing agreement that food intake is the main factor in obesity, the researchers feel confident that their results show that physical activity can also have a significant positive effect on obesity, with the study’s results showing a decrease in BMI across a wide range of participants and lifestyles. However in addition to physical exercise, the team also believe that based on these findings other lifestyle factors such as diet, as well as stress and sleep, may also have a positive effect on a genetic predisposition to obesity.
Hoping it will encourage those that are obese to still partake in a physically active lifestyle, David Meyre, one of the authors of the study, commented on the results saying, “This provides a message of hope for people with obesity predisposing genes that they can do something about it. Our body weight destiny is not only written in our genetic blueprint.”
Discovered in 2007, the FTO gene has been previously identified as the genetic ‘master-switch’ that predisposes some people to obesity. However a 2015 study, co-authored by scientists at MIT and the Harvard University Medical School, found that it could be possible to switch it off to help weight loss.
In their study on lab mice, the team found that by using a DNA editing technology they could manipulate genes and switch their signature from lean to obese, causing the mice to either store more fat, or lose up to 50% more weight.
If further research in the area proves successful, it could see a possible new cure to help fight the growing worldwide problem of obesity.
– AFP Relaxnews