FAT Gene + EXERCISE

At ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine, we believe there are many factors involved in obesity other than laziness. We see patients with hormone imbalance; past use of corticosteroids, fentramine, and other medications; low functioning thyroid; and toxicity as individuals that may have trouble losing weight. Simply put, however, the only way to lose weight is to consume fewer calories and move more. We’ve always been skeptical of the theory that obesity is genetic, and a new study is showing just that.

In a recent study from researchers at the University of Miami, having “fat genes” was shown to be overcome by those who exercised. These researchers looked at the FTO gene, a gene studied heavily in the literature as causing a higher BMI (body mass index). For those with low activity level, having the FTO gene was a risk factor for having a higher BMI. When researchers stratified the group by level of physical activity, the effect of the gene vanished. Those individuals who were no longer affected by the FTO gene had activity levels that corresponded to about three to four hours of moderately intensive physical activity, such as brisk walking, house cleaning, or gardening, and that are typical of an agrarian lifestyle without modern machinery.

At ALTRIS, our goal is to encourage exercise in each and every one of our patients. Movement is a large component in maintaining a healthy weight, and for some with a genetic predisposition to gain weight, it may be the only way.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment