Obesity isn't just caused by overeating. Let’s dive deeper into how obesity might be rooted in your DNA, helping you better care for your health and avoid unexpected complications.

Obesity has become a significant global health issue. According to statistics from 2022, 1 in 8 people worldwide suffers from obesity, a figure that has more than doubled since 1990. This article will explore how obesity is not solely influenced by eating habits but can also be triggered by environmental factors and genetic components like obesity-related genes passed down within families.

Understanding the Role of DNA in Obesity

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a chronic condition caused by excessive fat accumulation, which negatively impacts health and quality of life, such as disrupting sleep or limiting movement. Obesity is often diagnosed in conjunction with being overweight, with the key indicator being the Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated using the formula: weight (kg) / height² (m²).

In Asia, individuals with a BMI of 25 or higher are considered obese, while those with a BMI between 23 and 24.9 are categorized as overweight. For children, age is also factored into the calculation.

Obesity: More Than Just Belly Fat – A Risk for Multiple Diseases, Even Death

Many underestimate the dangers of obesity, focusing only on its external appearance. However, obesity increases the risk of severe diseases, sometimes leading to death.

Obese individuals are at heightened risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, bone health issues, and reproductive problems. Moreover, certain cancers are more likely to develop in those suffering from obesity.

Research has also shown that obesity can affect genome stability or DNA, where oxidative stress and inflammation commonly seen in obese individuals can damage DNA and impair DNA repair mechanisms.

When DNA damage occurs, it can lead to altered gene expression, disrupted cellular metabolism, and the promotion of cancer cell growth, making it harder to eliminate cancer cells.

Obesity Goes Beyond Eating Habits: Exploring the Impact of DNA and Genetics

Obesity isn't only caused by eating habits. It can also result from environmental factors and the genes inherited from our ancestors.

Obesity-Related Genes: More Impactful Than You Think

The human body contains over 400 genes associated with weight and obesity. However, only a few of these play a major role in regulating body weight. These genes influence various aspects of obesity, such as appetite, satiety, metabolism, hunger, fat distribution, and the tendency to use food to cope with stress.

The influence of these obesity-related genes varies among individuals. Research has found that some people are only 25% affected by these genes, while others are impacted by 70-80%, which significantly hinders their ability to control their weight.

How to Know If You Have Obesity Genes

One of the key genes linked to obesity is FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity Associated Gene). Research has shown that people with the FTO gene tend to have higher BMI, fat levels, and waist circumference than those without the gene.

However, more recent studies have revealed that multiple genes can contribute to obesity. Our bodies may have several genes controlling certain characteristics, such as FTO and others working together, leading to different body shapes among individuals.

Researchers at Geneus DNA have analyzed genetic information from these genes, finding a correlation between them and BMI statistics. The presence of these genes increases the likelihood of obesity.

If you’re interested in finding out whether you carry obesity-related genes that might increase your weight and risk of obesity, you can check your genetic risk factors with Geneus DNA. Simply follow the process and review the report through the Geneus DNA app, which will reveal your risk for obesity and other diseases.

Geneus DNA can also provide insights into your nutritional needs, including diet and vitamin recommendations, along with guidance on suitable exercise routines to optimize your health.

Preventing Obesity

As we know, obesity results from excessive fat accumulation in the body. Therefore, preventing obesity involves making healthy food choices and engaging in activities that support overall health. Prevention can begin at any age, for both children and adults, through actions such as:

• Reducing unhealthy, high-fat foods, such as fried potatoes
• Limiting sugary drinks, like sodas
• Eating nutrient-rich foods, such as red meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables
• Increasing physical activity, such as running, badminton, or boxing
• Reducing screen time to encourage more movement
• Improving sleep quality
• Managing stress

Taking proactive steps to prevent obesity is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the many health risks that may arise in the future.