Some people don't eat more than others or exercise as much as others, yet they find it difficult to lose weight. Why is that?

According to the research team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Digital Genomics Center in the United States, this is due to obesity-related genes. People with these genes, who have a higher genetic risk for obesity, need to exercise more to maintain a healthy weight.

 

The research team explained, "Some people struggling with obesity seem to be hindered by their genes in losing extra weight," and "Therefore, individuals with a higher genetic risk for obesity need to exercise more to avoid gaining weight."

Dr. Douglas Ruderfer, director of the research team center, said, "Genetic background influences the amount of physical activity needed to mitigate obesity," and "the higher the genetic risk, the more steps are required per day."

He added, "Because of this, physical activity guidelines may not be very helpful in maintaining a healthy weight, as individual genetic differences determine the amount of exercise each person needs."

 

The research team conducted a longitudinal study on over 3,100 middle-aged individuals who were not obese and walked an average of 8,300 steps per day over five years. The team stated, "In this study, among people with the highest genetic risk scores for obesity, obesity increased by 43%, but among those with the lowest risk scores, the increase was only 13%."

Research findings show that people with the highest genetic risk for obesity need to walk an average of 2,280 more steps per day than the average person to avoid weight gain.

 

Additionally, people with high genetic risk and a body mass index (BMI) between 22 and 28 need to walk an extra 3,460 to 6,350 steps per day to have a similar risk level to those with the least genetic predisposition to obesity.

Dr. Evan Breiten, a cardiology researcher, said, "What is new and important in this study is that we can quantify the amount of activity needed to reduce obesity risk," and added, "Someday, doctors might be able to give specific exercise prescriptions based on each person's genetic profile."

 

He said, "I can imagine a future where this kind of data is integrated into someone's electronic health record and forms the basis for doctors' physical activity recommendations," and added, "What is important is to understand that genetic risk does not determine the overall risk of obesity, and in fact, becoming more active can help overcome that risk."

 

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There are definitely genetic factors as well.

Moving a bit more

It always seems to be the 'answer' when it comes to dieting.