Obesity, genetics and physical activity

Obesity, genetics and physical activity

A new study published by PLOS Genetics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Copenhagen looked at how physical activity can reduce the weight gaining effects of a genetic variant that carries the risk of obesity. 

The study follows previous research that suggests an individuals pre-disposition to becoming obese can be reduced by physical activity.  The researchers performed genome wide meta analysis of more than 200,000 individuals, the individuals were put into 2 groups, active and inactive.  All were screened for 2.5 million genetic variants and the data was correlated with physical results including waist circumference and hip to waist ratio. 

The study found that physical activity can reduce the weight gaining effects of the strongest known genetic risk factor for obesity, the FTO gene, by up to 30%.

About the journal:  PLOS Genetics is an open access peer reviewed academic journal.

MENOPAUSE:  Barbara Taylor, M.D.

MENOPAUSE: Barbara Taylor, M.D.

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