You may have recently read or heard about the discovery of a human gene (FTO) that can predispose people to being overweight. Before you get too concerned about whether you have this gene you should look at the details of the research as the way that this story has been played in the media is very misleading.
We have always known that people are genetically predisposed to having a certain body type so there is nothing really new other than the fact that a group of scientists has been able to identify the genes that can cause people to retain more fat than other people. This does not however, account for the explosion of obesity in recent years. It is not as if these genes have suddenly appeared – they have been around for as long as we have been around. Giving people the impression that there is nothing they can do about being overweight is quite simply wrong and irresponsible. The gene merely contributes to the body type that we have – it is not the only relevant factor. Gene differentials go some way in explaining why two people with identical lifestyles and eating habits may have different body types, although other medical factors may also contribute.
The study by the group of British scientists who made the gene discovery has determined that people who have the most vulnerable genetic make-up (comprising around one in six people), weigh on average only 3 kg more than those with the lowest risk. Although the weight differential was entirely accounted for by fat and not bone or muscle, this hardly explains the levels of obesity that we regularly see with our patients so people should not be resigned to being overweight because they believe that they may have this gene. A weight differential of 3 kg is significant in terms of a comparative study but it is not an insurmountable problem on an individual basis.