Got The Fat Gene? Here’s A Solution

Last year British scientists had announced they had finally found the gene that can be linked to obesity and explain why some people may gain weight faster than others with similar lifestyles. Those who possess the gene are said to have a 70% higher chance of being obese.

The good news is a newer study suggests there is a way to block the gene’s weight gain effect–exercise! The study was done on an Amish community of 704 people in Pennsylvania. The participants were all given blood tests to determine who possessed the gene, and of those who did, people who exercised moderately 3-4 hours a day weighed 15 pounds less on average than the less active group. In the study the moderate exercise done by the Amish were typically activities such as brisk walking and gardening.

This is not to suggest that those without the gene do not need to concern themselves with regular exercise. On the contrary, everyone should be exercising daily. However, those who possess the gene need to be especially dedicated to getting daily exercise if they wish to prevent weight gain.

This may not be as hard and time consuming as it sounds. Keep in mind that the little things count, so park your car in the far end of the grocery lot and walk, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or start a new activity such as bicycling or swimming.