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BOUNTIFUL -- We've run out of excuses for obesity. Scientists find that staying physically active can cut your genetic tendency toward obesity.
British researchers studied 20,000 people and say minimal exercise can reduce the impact of the obesity gene by 40 percent.
"Even if you have all of the genes that would influence you toward gaining weight," says Sellers, "you can give them a 40 percent reduction in their strength by exercise."
It doesn't have to be a marathon -- 30 minutes of activities as simple as walking the dog, riding a bike or taking the stairs can make a difference.
Bountiful plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Sellers says it's true that your family history can give you a bit of a disadvantage in the battle of the bulge.
"There are certain genes in your body that can give you a tendency toward putting on weight that is higher than the norm," says Sellers. He also says this study gives people hope in reducing certain health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.
"One should not think that, ‘Well, there's nothing I can do about my weight. It runs in my family,'" he says. "You don't have to kill yourself with activity. You just have to be active."
Researchers say the findings in this study challenge the popular myth that obesity is unavoidable if it runs in the family.
"Even if you have all of the genes that would influence you toward gaining weight," says Sellers, "you can give them a 40 percent reduction in their strength by exercise."
As a plastic surgeon, Sellers also empathizes with people who struggle with weight. He says even though this study is empowering for people with constant weight battles, he hopes there will be future remedies for genetic obesity.
"Hopefully with time there will be other scientific ways that others can modify those genes for you with certain types of treatment or food or certain medication," he says. "Because it would be nice to nip it in the bud and avoid that obesity in the first place."
E-mail: niyamba@ksl.com
