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Obesity. #Why am I overweight? Do Genetics play a role in obesity?

 

Do obese parents have obese children?

 

Without doubt many mothers and fathers who suffer from obesity have at some time wondered whether their condition might also affect their sons and daughters. Are genetics a decisive factor? Can we do something to prevent it or should we expect the inevitable?

 

A person’s energy balance is affected by their genetic make-up by up to around 40%.

 

When one or both parents are obese, the likelihood of their children being obese is increased. In fact it is estimated that children have around a 50% chance, if one of the parent is affected, and around an 80% chance, if both parents are affected, of also being obese, bearing in mind that genetics are not the only factor involved.

 

For clarification, even taking into account that certain genes predispose to obesity, if other additional factors such as lack of exercise and an inappropriate diet (high in fat or sugar) are not involved then obesity does not develop in the majority of cases.

 

With this in mind we are going to look at genes and the latest scientific advances in this area.

 

Latest scientific advances.

 

Research into the role of genes in the development of obesity is ongoing, there remains much to be investigated and understood. The most important discovery so far involves new lines of treatment which take each individual’s genes into account. Where applicable this will allow even more individualised treatment to be developed, making it more effective.

 

Obesity genes.

 

According to research published in Nature magazine, 97 obesity-related genes have been identified causing changes in appetite and regulation of satiety.

 

More than a fifth of the weight difference between people can be explained by common “obesity genes,” according to a study confirming that some people have a greater genetic likelihood of being overweight.

 

The study, which included more than 300,000 people, noted 97 genetic variations which have a particularly strong influence on weight, many of which appear to affect changes in the way the brain regulates appetite.

 

This explains why for some people eating in moderation really is more difficult, in the same way that it is more difficult for some people to give up smoking or drinking, some people are basically potentially more “addicted” to food.

 

Therefore, in addition to the influence of factors which are already recognised (diet, exercise, social and cultural factors, etc.), another element to consider in the development of obesity is a person’s individual genetic profile. It has been clearly demonstrated that genes affect the hunger centre, weight regulation, the number and size of adipocytes and the distribution of fatty tissue in the different parts of the body, as well as energy expenditure.

 

How can obesity be avoided?

 

Constant progress is being made in tackling obesity, although commitment and motivation continue to be the most effective weapons to combat it. In fact, the most effective solution continues to be diet and exercise, through lifestyle changes involving eating more healthily and increasing activity, as well as permanently reducing calorie intake.

 

Children learn by imitating those around them, especially their family. To help prevent our children from developing obesity, as parents our first step should be to understand the mistakes we make ourselves with diet and lifestyle choices. This involves learning about the reasons for obesity and studying the difficulties involved, whilst at the same time finding strategies and solutions and using the necessary resources, including asking for help when required from qualified professionals, to deal with the problem.

 

What leads to obesity?

 

Dr. Ruiz Orellana, Specialist in the Digestive System and Head of the Obesity Unit at HC Marbella gives us an insight:

 

• • We eat too much: In the majority of cases, obesity is a result of eating more in quantity and variety than the body is capable of burning, but why would someone eat more than they require to survive?

 

• • Ignorance: Beware! Children are not small adults, their capacity for digestion and nutrition is different to an adult’s.

 

• • Lack of time: Pasta, sausages, ready meals and the lifesaver – fried egg and chips, is not exactly the epitome of a healthy, balanced diet.

 

• • Old wives’ tales: a plump (obese) child is healthier than a thin one. In fact, many children are systematically overfed in childhood due to this belief.

 

• • Compensation and reward: rewarding children with food they enjoy most, which is generally food which is tempting but unhealthy. Children are unable to choose what is best for them. Guiding them in this is our responsibility.

 

• • Lack of exercise: Changes in working practices, leisure patterns and habits in general appear to be the most significant causes for lack of physical activity. Jobs require less and less activity, and leisure activities for children such as running, cycling and other open air games have been replaced by television, DVDs, computers and games consoles.

 

• Advertising and trends: The media and current trends have a significant effect on consumer behaviour including what people buy and eat, whatever their age. In fact, food companies know only too well which techniques are successful in launching their products onto the market. Faced with this situation, the PAOS Code, developed by the Federation of Food and Drink Industries, was brought into force a few years ago with the aim of regulating the advertising of food products aimed at children. It is a European initiative, launched by the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs, to support the prevention of obesity in Spain.

 

The sooner you act, the better.

 

When dealing with obesity it is important to act as soon as possible to prevent increased, serious long term problems. In fact, it has been shown that if a child is overweight between the ages of 6 months and 7 years, he/she has a 40% chance of being an obese adult, while if this occurs between the ages of 6 and 13 years the probability increases to 70%.

 

If you or one of your children is overweight, do not hesitate to contact us. AT HC Marbella we want to help you prevent obesity from adversely affecting your quality of life or that of those around you, we do this in a modern, relaxing, stress free environment which helps patients to feel as comfortable as possible.

 

 

Dezember 14, 2017

 

 

 

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