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genetic factors and weight gain in middle age
your genes and how they effect your weight
After twenty years of follow-up, the study now shows that genes account for about 1/2 of the weight gain among the men. Environmental factors, such as exercise and diet account for the other 1/2. Researchers say the findings may help explain why some people find it hard to lose weight. "We're not acknowledging the strength of genetic factors in our weight loss strategies," says James C. Romeis, PhD, professor of health services research at Saint Louis University School of Public Health, in a news release. "You've got this genetic thing working against you that helps to explain why you're so heavy and why you may fail at weight loss programs and diets." Weight Gain May Be In The Genes In the study, which appeared in a recent issue of the journal Twin Research, researchers studied nearly 8,000 middle-aged, middle-class male twins who enlisted in the U.S. military during the late 1960s. At the time of their enlistment as young men more than 3/4s of them were considered normal weight, 17 percent were overweight, and 2.5 percent were obese or severely obese. |
Twenty years later, less than half of the men were still considered
normal weight. Meanwhile, more than half had become overweight.
The study showed that about 50 percent of the weight differences among
the men appeared to be caused by genetic factors. Other aspects of
their lifestyle and environment accounted for the rest.
Romeis says the influence of these environmental factors increases
with age and puts people with a genetic disposition toward weight gain
at a higher risk.
Although genetics may help to explain why some men gain weight more easily and have a harder time losing it, researchers say it should not stop them from trying to maintain a healthy weight, because weight gain doesn't just happen overnight.
"Weight gain appears to increase gradually," says Romeis. "For these guys, it's at about thirty years of age. Your behavior changes at thirty; you become more sedentary. At some point this tips into being overweight. Those who are overweight tip into becoming obese. It's slow, incremental change."
"While genetic vulnerability has probably not changed during the past
few years, environments have, thus allowing for the genetic
vulnerability to be expressed as what appears to be an alarming rate
of increase," says Romeis.
"Losing weight is going to be a lot of work for these men," he says.
"Treatments and public health interventions need to recognize the
magnitude of genetic factors if
long-term and short-term interventions
are to be effective."
Calorie Control Dietary Supplements Genes And Weight Gain Obesity Statistics Protein Rich Diets Yogurt Women Over 40
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