We’re thrilled to inherit our mother’s blue eyes or her jewelry, but her struggle with being overweight? Well, not so much.
Genes play a huge role in everything, even the way you lose weight. For example, identical twins that share 100% of their genes are more likely to have the same BMI than a pair of fraternal twins who share around 50% of genes.
“Studies of families estimate that over half of the population’s variation in BMI can be attributed to genetic differences in individuals,” explains Dan Belsky, Ph.D., an assistant research professor at Duke University Social Science Research Institute.
So the reality is that DNA is not destiny.
“The percentage of people who are obese has risen dramatically, but the genomes haven’t changed,” says Belsky.
Obesity has increased from 11.6 percent in 1990 up to 29.4 percent in 2014. The increase is due to the evolution of the environment and our response to it-not a change in the DNA.
One study published in the journal “PLOS Medicine” shows that the predisposition to obesity can be reduced by 40% by only exercising.
R.D Elyse Sosin says that if you have trouble losing weight, then you should re-evaluate your training routine.
“Be honest: Are you getting the CDC-recommended 150 to 300 minutes of exercise per week? Also, ask yourself when you last changed your exercise routine. When you get used to the routine, you adapt, and you don’t get that same rev [in your metabolism]. And remember: Muscle is more efficient than fat in terms of metabolizing calories, so be sure to incorporate strength-training into your routine,” explains Sosin.
Don’t forget that you also need to have a healthy diet. All experts recommend cutting down sugar because it’s linked with obesity and many diseases.
The conclusion is this: You have the power to control your habits, no matter what your genes say. You might need to put a little more effort, but you can change your weight.