What Causes Obesity? Is It In Our DNA or the World Around Us?

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Picture this: You are at a family gathering and one relative claims that obesity is just “bad genes”. While another insists that it is all about the decisions and personal choices that we make. Who is right? Well, it is not that simple.

Obesity is one of the biggest health puzzles and global issues of our time. It is more than just about indulging in one too many cupcakes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that poses a health risk. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeds 30, you fall into the obesity category. 

Obesity can have significant financial implications for the government, as it leads to a substantial increase in healthcare expenses and a decrease in worker efficiency. For example: in The United States of America, the government faces approximately $147 billion in annual healthcare costs which is associated with obesity.

This figure includes direct expenses such as medical care and prescriptions, as well as indirect costs like reduced productivity and employee absenteeism. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) allocates around £6 billion annually to treat obesity related conditions. The overall economic impact, which encompasses lost productivity and social care expenses, is forecasted to reach £27 billion per year by 2025.

It is important to note that recent studies conducted in 2022 have identified over 500 genes which are linked to obesity. However, before solely attributing obesity to genetics, I believe that it is essential to consider the ongoing debate in the scientific community: is obesity predominantly influenced by genetics, environment, or a combination of both?

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Genetics: Are You Predisposed to Obesity?

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Blaming your genes for your waistline is not simply an excuse. For certain individuals, genetics does influence how their bodies accumulate and store fat. Research shows that roughly 40 – 50% of the differences in body weight can be attributed to genetic factors!  In saying that, there are even more factors to consider.

Let us break down this global issue:

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Syndromic Obesity: This type is associated with conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome, which affects your brain causing you to feel hungry all the time.

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Environmental Factors: Could your surroundings be making you gain weight?

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We can argue that genetics is not the only factor that can affect your weight. The environment that you live in — including your daily habits, lifestyle choices, and the way your surroundings are set up, plays a significant role in how much you weigh.

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Here are some common reasons why people gain weight:

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The truth: It is a combination of both!

So, is it your genes or your environment that makes you prone to obesity? The reality is that for most people, it is a bit of both. You can think of your genes as the hand of cards you receive, while your environment is how you choose to play those cards. 

For example, if you have genes that make you more likely to gain weight, sticking to a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help manage and control that risk. On the other hand, someone who does not have a strong genetic link to obesity can still put on weight if they are  surrounded by unhealthy food choices and do not  get sufficient physical activity. This means that the global epidemic of obesity is caused due to the interaction between the two factors: nature and nurture

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Fighting Obesity:

Foods and Lifestyle Choices That Work

So, how can we take a stand against obesity? The great news is that there are proven strategies that can help, no matter what your genetic background might be.

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• Eat Right: Focus on eating plenty of fiber-rich options like fruits, vegetables  and whole grains. These foods can fill you up without adding too many calories. Instead of reaching for processed snacks, we can try nuts, seed, and lean proteins such as fish , tofu  and beans to maintain your energy levels throughout the day. 

• Stay active: Aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise each  week. It is just over 20 minutes a day! Whether it’s walking, biking, or dancing. It can be an activity that you enjoy which also gets your heart rate up.

• Prioritize Sleep: Make sure to get 7 – 9 hours of sleep each night. This helps balance the hormones that control your hunger and feeling of fullness.

• Control stress: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or take up a hobby that helps you unwind.  Managing stress can help reduce emotional binge eating and keep your cortisol levels balanced. This is important for maintaining a healthy weight.

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Why is it important ?

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Obesity is more than just being overweight; it poses significant health dangers. Carrying extra weight can increase your chances of developing heart disease by raising blood pressure and cholesterol levels, making you 2 to 3 times more susceptible to heart problems. It also impacts insulin levels, heightening the risk of Type 2 diabetes, which affects around 90% of those who are obese.

Additionally, the extra weight can lead to joint pain since it puts extra pressure on your joints, possibly resulting in osteoarthritis.

Obesity is linked to sleep apnea as well, with 70% of those affected being obese, and it raises the risk of certain cancers, including breast and colon cancer. Recognizing these risks can inspire you to make healthier choices in your life.

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Conclusion

Obesity is influenced by both genetics and the environment. Although your genes can affect your chances of becoming obese, your lifestyle and the world around you are just as important. By making better choices about what you eat, how much you exercise, and the environment you live in, you can take charge and help manage or prevent obesity effectively as a citizen of the world.

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