Maintaining a healthy weight involves a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise.
However, certain non-modifiable factors such as genetics also play a significant role.
Recent research conducted by the University of Essex has identified 14 “skinny genes” that may collectively assist in weight loss efforts.
Despite the presence of these genes, scientists emphasize that diet and lifestyle choices remain critical for effective weight management.
While eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting sufficient quality sleep are essential for weight maintenance, previous studies have confirmed that genetics also influences weight-related outcomes.
Henry Chung, a lecturer in Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Essex, highlighted the complexity of obesity, calling it a worldwide epidemic that poses significant challenges to societal, economic, and health sectors.
Chung explains that while exercise and diet are known factors in combating obesity, there are many additional influences that contribute to weight gain.
He noted that people often experience varying degrees of weight loss, even when participating in the same exercise programs, leading researchers to examine genetic factors that might explain these differences.
Chung is the lead author of a recent study published in the journal Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, which identified a specific combination of genes associated with weight loss.
To conduct this study, researchers recruited 38 adults aged 20 to 40.
The participants were divided into two groups: one that engaged in a running program and a control group that did not change their typical exercise habits.
Over the course of eight weeks, both groups maintained their usual diets without adding any extra physical activity.
At the end of the study, all participants underwent genetic screening for 1,000 gene variants.
This screening helped researchers identify a combination of 14 genes believed to improve weight loss outcomes.
According to Chung, all identified genes are common health and fitness-related genes, and each has been previously studied for its specific role.
Collectively, these genes are associated with energy balance and the metabolic pathways that regulate how the body utilizes fuels.
Interestingly, while earlier research examined these genes in isolation, this study demonstrated their combined impact on weight loss.
The analysis revealed that the identified genes were linked to energy use and food metabolism, particularly in fat metabolism.
Consequently, individuals with these advantageous genes may exhibit superior fat-burning capabilities during exercise compared to those lacking them.
At the conclusion of the study, researchers observed that participants in the exercise group with the most “skinny genes” lost up to five kilograms.
In contrast, those without these genes averaged a weight loss of two kilograms.
The PARGC1A gene emerged as particularly significant in the study, encoding a protein essential for cellular energy metabolism and playing a vital role in weight loss among participants.
This gene is linked to various metabolic processes, including energy utilization and fat breakdown.
Chung elaborated on how the PARGC1A gene enhances the expression of key enzymes involved in the initial steps of fat oxidation, essential for converting fatty acids into usable energy.
Individuals with this gene might experience greater energy levels and enhanced fat-burning abilities compared to those without it.
Interestingly, this gene is found in roughly 20 to 40 percent of the global population.
Chung and his team emphasized that possessing “skinny genes” does not eliminate the necessity of exercise and healthy eating.
They stress that for most people, lack of exercise can render genetic advantages meaningless.
When individuals do not engage in physical activity, their genetic potential remains untapped, as the body requires stressors to stimulate adaptive responses.
Chung’s research indicates that personalized training strategies are essential, as no universal approach works for everyone.
The study acknowledges limitations, including the use of a genotype DNA chip that only examined 1,000 genetic variants.
This limitation suggests that other important gene interactions may have been overlooked, necessitating further investigation into the relationship between genetics, diet, and obesity.
In a conversation about the study, Mir Ali, a board-certified bariatric surgeon, noted that while genetics plays a substantial role in determining a person’s weight and body composition, it is only one factor among many.
He reiterated that even individuals with favorable genetic predispositions must still focus on nutrition and exercise.
Ali emphasized that genetics should not serve as a deterrent to making healthy lifestyle choices.
Even those without obesity can experience health problems if they neglect proper nutrition.
He advocated for personalized dietary and exercise plans to help individuals achieve and sustain optimal health.
Ultimately, extending research to explore optimal dietary approaches based on different genetic profiles could greatly benefit individuals seeking to improve their health outcomes.