OBESITY
Obesity can be defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat that poses a risk to a person’s health. It is usually diagnosed by measuring body composition such as fat, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index (BMI), with the most common examination being calculated using BMI.
Obesity is a major health challenge today. Many think it’s just about overeating or inactivity, but it’s more complex. Genes also shape how we process food and store fat. A key gene linked to obesity is FTO.
WHAT IS THE FTO GENE?
The FTO gene, which stands for fat mass and obesity-associated gene, is a part of our DNA that helps control appetite, how much energy we use, and how our bodies store fat. Scientists first found this gene in 2007, and since then, it has been a major focus in obesity research.
Everyone has the FTO gene, but some people carry specific versions (called variants) that increase their likelihood of gaining weight. The most common variant is known as rs9939609.
- Inheriting one “risk” copy makes people weigh slightly more than the average.
- People who inherit two copies may weigh 3 or 4 kilograms more than those without this variant.
HOW DOES THE FTO GENE AFFECT WEIGHT?
Researchers believe the FTO gene influences weight in several ways:
- Appetite Control: Some people with the FTO risk variant feel hungrier and have a harder time feeling full after eating.
- Food Preferences: They may be more inclined towards high-calorie, high-fat foods.
- Fat Storage: The gene may cause the body to store more energy as fat.
- Energy Use: It could slightly lower the number of calories the body burns while at rest.
Put simply, the FTO gene does not make someone gain weight, but it can make it easier for weight gain to happen.
LIFESTYLE STILL MATTERS
The good news is that our genes do not decide everything for us. Even if someone has the FTO risk variant, it does not mean they will definitely become obese. Research shows that making healthy choices can greatly reduce this risk.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can mitigate the effects of the FTO gene. Individuals with the risk variant who are physically active often have similar body weights to those without the risk variant.
- Diet: Choosing a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and proteins helps regulate appetite and maintain a healthy weight.
- Mindful Eating: Since FTO can influence hunger signals, paying attention to portion sizes and eating slowly can make a significant difference in managing hunger.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Understanding the FTO gene helps explain why some individuals struggle with weight management more than others, even if they consume similar foods. It also illustrates why “one-size-fits-all” diets often fail to work. Personalised nutrition and lifestyle advice based on genetics could be the future of weight management.
Some people call the FTO gene the ‘obesity gene,’ but having it does not mean you are destined to gain weight. While it can raise the risk, eating well, staying active, and being mindful about habits can help reduce its effects. Our genes may set the stage, but our choices make the difference.
References:
- Andersen, M. K., Ängquist, L., Bork-Jensen, J., Jonsson, A. E., Stinson, S. E., Sandholt, C. H., … & Hansen, T. (2023). Physical activity and insulin sensitivity independently attenuate the effect of FTO rs9939609 on obesity. Diabetes Care, 46(5), 985-992.
- de Luis, D. A., Aller, R., Izaola, O., Primo, D., Urdiales, S., & Romero, E. (2015). Effects of a high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet versus a standard hypocaloric diet on weight and cardiovascular risk factors: role of a genetic variation in the rs9939609 FTO gene variant. Lifestyle Genomics, 8(3), 128-136.
- Lim, J. U., Lee, J. H., Kim, J. S., Hwang, Y. I., Kim, T. H., Lim, S. Y., … & Rhee, C. K. (2017). Comparison of World Health Organization and Asia-Pacific body mass index classifications in COPD patients. International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 2465-2475.
- Huang, T., Qi, Q., Li, Y., Hu, F. B., Bray, G. A., Sacks, F. M., … & Qi, L. (2014). FTO genotype, dietary protein, and change in appetite: the Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 99(5), 1126-1130.