Obesity is more than just a result of eating habits and lack of exercise — it could be part of your genetic makeup, according to new research.
In a recent study, researchers found a genetic link to obesity, providing new insights into the complex causes of weight gain. “Obesity’s causes are very complex, and in most cases, a combination of many factors are at play. However, we have identified a clear genetic trigger in this study,” said Dr. Mattia Frontini, lead author of the study and senior fellow at the British Heart Foundation.
The study, published in the journal Med, analyzed data from the UK Biobank, a large research database. Researchers compared individuals with two faulty copies of a gene called SMIM1 to those who did not have the faulty gene.
The results were striking: women with this genetic mutation weighed an average of 4.6 kilograms (about 10 pounds) more, and men weighed an extra 2.4 kilograms (5 pounds). The faulty gene causes problems with thyroid function and energy use, meaning that people with the mutation store more fat from the same amount of food.
This discovery is particularly exciting because it identifies a specific gene, rather than just an unclear genetic location, as Dr. Philipp Scherer, director of the Touchstone Diabetes Center, explains. “It’s an exciting study because it puts a new gene on the map. We now have a gene that can be further studied.”
While this genetic mutation is rare, affecting only about 1 in 5,000 people, it suggests that a small group of individuals may be unknowingly struggling with obesity due to their genes. “Though rare, this mutation could affect millions of people who are unaware that their obesity may have a genetic cause,” said Dr. Scherer.
Thyroid dysfunction, which is linked to the SMIM1 mutation, is not uncommon, affecting nearly 2% of the population in the UK. Fortunately, it can often be treated with inexpensive medication.
The next step in research is to determine if people with the SMIM1 mutation can benefit from thyroid treatment. If successful, this could improve their quality of life with a simple, safe, and affordable treatment.
Dr. Frontini plans to conduct a clinical trial to test whether individuals with the mutation could benefit from such treatments, hoping to offer a new approach for those affected by obesity due to genetic factors.
While research continues into the genetic causes of obesity, experts agree that lifestyle plays a crucial role. Weight is influenced by a variety of factors, including sleep, medications, and genetics.
For those dealing with obesity, the best approach isn’t extreme dieting but gradual, sustainable changes. Experts recommend maintaining a healthy relationship with food and avoiding the cycle of restrictive dieting and bingeing. Treatments like GLP-1 medications may also offer medical support.
In the end, obesity is not simply a matter of willpower, but a combination of many factors — some of which, like genetics, we cannot control.
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