Healthy lifestyle can overcome genetic risk of obesity, a new study reveals

Overview

Scientists from Songyungwan University in South Korea have found that giving up a sedentary lifestyle reduces the risk of developing obesity, despite the presence of genetic risks, Azernews reports. Let’s delve into the miraculous impact of healthy lifestyle on genetic predisposition to heavier weight gain.

About 338,000 Britons took part in the study. Scientists collected information about the health of volunteers and assessed their commitment to a healthy lifestyle (HLS) by five indicators — alcohol consumption, sleep duration, physical activity, lifestyle, nutrition and the amount of time regularly spent in a sitting position.

The researchers also predicted the risks of obesity in volunteers using the Cox Regression method (proportional risks model). The Cox model allows us to assess the risks of a certain event (obesity) for the object in question (a person) and assess the influence of independent variables (genes) on this risk. As part of the scientific work, the probability of developing obesity in each of the subjects was predicted by the age of 75.

The results showed that the risk of obesity in people with an unhealthy lifestyle and a genetic predisposition to the disease was 3.54 times higher than in adherents of healthy lifestyle in the absence of genetic predisposition. Nevertheless, a reduction in time spent sitting correlated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing obesity, regardless of the genetic risk.

Scientists have noted that an unbalanced diet, poor sleep and lack of physical activity can have a more pronounced negative effect on body weight than carrying “predisposing” genes for obesity.

Impact of Healthy Lifestyle

The said study has revealed that adopting a healthy lifestyle can help overcome the genetic risk of obesity. This groundbreaking research challenges the notion that genetics alone determine our weight and highlights the importance of making positive choices when it comes to diet, exercise, and overall well-being.

Higher Weight is a major public health concern worldwide, with genetic factors often cited as a significant contributor to an individual’s risk of developing the condition. However, this latest study suggests that lifestyle factors play a crucial role in determining whether or not someone will become a higher-weight person, regardless of their genetic predisposition.

The study, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, analyzed data from over 20,000 individuals to assess the impact of genetic risk on body mass index (BMI) and obesity.

The researchers found that those who followed a healthy lifestyle – including eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking – were able to offset their genetic risk of obesity by up to 50%.

Leads to Policy-Framing

These findings have important implications for public health policy and individual behavior. While it is true that some people may be more genetically predisposed to obesity than others, this study shows that lifestyle choices can still make a significant difference in reducing the risk of developing the condition. For example, individuals with a high genetic risk of heavier weight who lead a sedentary lifestyle and consume a poor diet are more likely to become heavier or a higher-weight person compared to those who follow a healthy lifestyle. By making simple changes such as increasing physical activity, eating a nutritious diet, and getting enough sleep, individuals can reduce their risk of obesity despite their genetic predisposition.

This study highlights the power of lifestyle choices in overcoming genetic risk factors for obesity. It reinforces the importance of promoting healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep to prevent and manage weight-related conditions.

One of the key takeaways from this research is that genetics are not destiny when it comes to obesity. While genetic factors may play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to weight gain, lifestyle choices have the potential to mitigate these risks and even reverse them. By focusing on adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, nutritious eating habits, and adequate sleep, individuals can proactively address their genetic risk of obesity and improve their overall health and well-being.

Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, this new study reveals that a healthy lifestyle can indeed overcome the genetic risk of obesity. By making positive choices when it comes to diet, exercise, and overall well-being, individuals can reduce their risk of developing obesity and lead healthier, happier lives. It is never too late to start making healthy changes and taking control of your health. Remember, genetics may load the gun, but it is your lifestyle choices that pull the trigger.

https://www.azernews.az/region/228388.html