According to a study published on December 14 in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, environmental, social and behavioral factors make a bigger difference in the onset of obesity than genes.
An encouraging discovery
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich made an encouraging discovery while working on the impact of genes: “Obesity genes” play a minor role in the success of weight loss interventions.
Indeed, “Distinguishing individuals who are more or less likely to respond to obesity treatment based on their genetic predisposition will not necessarily lead to better treatment success”said study author Melanie Heitkamp.
The 1,400 young study participants, aged 6 to 19, overweight or obese, were enrolled in a four to six week program that included daily physical activity, a low-calorie diet and behavior therapy. The researchers also studied the genes of nearly 1,200 participants.
“Childhood obesity must be tackled in multiple ways”
The authors report that some people suffered from a rare form of obesity caused by genetic abnormalities, but that in most people, no gene could be identified as the cause.
“The most significant finding is that known genetic variants linked to obesity appear to play only a minor role in short-term weight reduction in overweight and obese children.”, explained Melanie Heitkamp.
“Childhood obesity needs to be tackled in multiple ways. Although genetics is part of it, the environment is an important element that must be addressed through social, individual, family and school measures ”said Dr Marie-France Hivert, professor at Harvard Medical School and co-author of the study.
The authors hope that these results will encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
