Genetic Predispositions to Weight Gain and Loss

Author Information

Geno Vive has 22 Published Articles

United States of America,
LA,
Harahan,
250 Plauche St,

Genetic Predispositions to Weight Gain and Loss

Posted On : Oct-02-2011 | seen (514) times | Article Word Count : 396 |

In the history of the evolution of humans there were two factors that affected us: feast and famine.

In the history of the evolution of humans there were two factors that affected us: feast and famine. Our ancestors were either eating to their heart’s content or starving to death. Thus our bodies developed into a way that allowed us to store as much fat as possible during the feast times that would hold us over for the inevitable starving times. This is how we as a species survived and prospered. We also developed enzymes and peptides that told us when to eat and when not to eat.

There are a few huge factors that will determine if we lose weight easily or with great difficulty: genetics, race, ethnicity, and age. Almost 70% of a person’s body mass is determined strictly through genetics and the rest, 30%, is determined by the environment around us. For example, having obese parents nearly doubles the chances that their children will become obese at some point in their lives. There are about 400 genes responsible for weight determination. Genes contribute to obesity by affecting appetite, our sense of fullness, metabolism, food cravings, body-fat distribution, and the tendency to use eating as a way to cope with stress.. Being genetically predisposed to weight gain does not automatically mean that you will become obese. Research suggests that for some people, genes account for just 25% of the predisposition to be overweight, while for others the genetic influence is as high as 70% to 80%. Your eating habits and level of physical exercise are major factors in the amount of weight you gain.

Studies have shown that a peptide called Leptin may play a pivotal role in obesity. We all have a “set point” with regard to weight. Our bodies like to maintain weight in a specific range. Leptin is part of that set point mechanism. If you reduce your body weight by 10%, leptin is reduced by as much as 53%. This turns on NPY in the hypothalamus, which increases your desire to eat. If you increase your body weight by 10%, leptin increases by 300%, shutting down your desire to eat. Postmenopausal women have less leptin than premenopausal women and more NPY, making them want to eat more. Some heavy-set people have high levels of leptin, but have developed an insensitivity to it so their desire to eat continues unabated.

Re-Publish this Article

<h1>Genetic Predispositions to Weight Gain and Loss</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Geno Vive.aspx'>Geno Vive</a> In the history of the evolution of humans there were two factors that affected us: feast and famine. Our ancestors were either eating to their heart’s content or starving to death. Thus our bodies developed into a way that allowed us to store as much fat as possible during the feast times that would hold us over for the inevitable starving times. This is how we as a species survived and prospered. We also developed enzymes and peptides that told us when to eat and when not to eat.

There are a few huge factors that will determine if we lose weight easily or with great difficulty:  genetics, race, ethnicity, and age.  Almost 70% of a person’s body mass is determined strictly through genetics and the rest, 30%, is determined by the environment around us.  For example, having obese parents nearly doubles the chances that their children will become obese at some point in their lives. There are about 400 genes responsible for weight determination. Genes contribute to obesity by affecting appetite, our sense of fullness, metabolism, food cravings, body-fat distribution, and the tendency to use eating as a way to cope with stress.. Being genetically predisposed to weight gain does not automatically mean that you will become obese. Research suggests that for some people, genes account for just 25% of the predisposition to be overweight, while for others the genetic influence is as high as 70% to 80%. Your eating habits and level of physical exercise are major factors in the amount of weight you gain.

Studies have shown that a peptide called Leptin may play a pivotal role in obesity. We all have a “set point” with regard to weight. Our bodies like to maintain weight in a specific range. Leptin is part of that set point mechanism. If you reduce your body weight by 10%, leptin is reduced by as much as 53%. This turns on NPY in the hypothalamus, which increases your desire to eat. If you increase your body weight by 10%, leptin increases by 300%, shutting down your desire to eat. Postmenopausal women have less leptin than premenopausal women and more NPY, making them want to eat more. Some heavy-set people have high levels of leptin, but have developed an insensitivity to it so their desire to eat continues unabated.About the Author: GenoVive is a weight loss solution based on science that uses your unique DNA to create a meal and exercise plan to deliver your most effective results. Find out more at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.genovive.com">www.genovive.com</a> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Genetic-Predispositions-to-Weight-Gain-and-Loss_87967.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Genetic Predispositions to Weight Gain and Loss_87967.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Genetic Predispositions to Weight Gain and Loss_87967.aspx

Author Resource :
GenoVive is a weight loss solution based on science that uses your unique DNA to create a meal and exercise plan to deliver your most effective results. Find out more at www.genovive.com

Keywords : DNA Diet, Weight Loss Plan, DNA Diet Meals Delivered, The DNA Diet Plan, Weight Loss by Science,

Category : Health and Fitness : Weight Loss

Print this Article Send to Friend