People who feel they gain weight despite eating and exercising like others may have obesity-related genes.
Obesity-related genes can disrupt the appetite control center, increasing hunger and causing quick weight gain, making it easier to experience the yo-yo effect. Genetic testing can confirm the presence of approximately 100 genes, with FTO and MC4R being representative genes that can easily lead to weight gain.
FTO, distributed throughout the body as an enzyme, influences metabolism related to fat formation, leading to rapid and excessive fat storage. MC4R, distributed in the hypothalamus of the brain, affects metabolism related to appetite control, inducing overeating and cravings for high-fat foods. In other words, MC4R causes both overeating and increased fat consumption.
When these obesity-related genes are active, they generate hormones in the brain that stimulate a significant appetite and induce alterations in body organs associated with blood sugar and body fat levels. This affects the digestive system and intestinal microbes, ultimately leading to obesity.
Furthermore, when obesity-related genes are activated, they raise the “set point” of the body, which represents the individual’s recognized ideal weight. This means that even if you try to eat less and exercise more, your body will maintain an obese weight. In such cases, it becomes difficult to escape from obesity.
Is there no way to eliminate obesity-related genes? Or is there a way to lower the already increased set point? The answer lies in food.
Genes can change depending on the consumption of food. Eating unhealthy food can activate bad genes, while consuming nutritious food can activate good genes. This is because food determines whether specific genetic sequences will turn on or off.
In a recent EBS documentary titled The Secret of the Diet Revolution 0.5%, Dr. Lee Yi-cheol, an occupational and environmental medicine specialist, appeared and asserted, “The influence of genes is not fixed and unchangeable. Food determines whether the switch of good or bad genes will be turned on.”
He emphasized, “To eliminate obesity-related genes, you should mainly consume high-quality food.”
The situation can be changed even if metabolic processes like set points have increased due to obesity-related genes. In such cases, a diet that promotes metabolism is essential. Metabolism is breaking down and synthesizing nutrients we consume to obtain energy. If this process does not occur properly, weight gain becomes easy. The easiest way to promote metabolism is by consuming foods that enhance metabolism.
In conclusion, individuals with obesity-related genes may gain weight more quickly and find it difficult to lose weight compared to others, even with the same eating habits. However, healthy eating habits and effort can change these obesity-related genes.
By. Soo-Jung Shin (soojungsin@inews24.com)
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