How many times have you tried to lose weight?
Perhaps you’re tired of weight loss programs and diets that don’t work.
Have you come to the conclusion that “it’s your genes” and you’ll always have a weight issue?
If so, I hope this article will inspire you to keep trying.
The obesity gene has given some people a reason to stop trying and give up on their weight loss goals.
Although science has identified the potential role genetics may play in obesity, more research needs to be done.
If you have a family history of obesity or carry an obesity gene, it’s too early to give up.
Yes, losing weight will be a bit more challenging compared to people who don’t carry the obesity gene.
However, it is totally possible to lose weight AND keep it off (even with the obesity gene).
Let’s say you have a sister, who’s practically your twin.
You spend the majority of your time together.
Travel together.
Shop together.
And you overindulge together.
The two of you love watching romantic comedies with a bag of popcorn, chips, chocolate, and of course, a tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
You seem to pack on the pounds like it’s your job, while your sister who eats just as much has no problem managing her weight and is about 25 pounds lighter than you.
So what gives?
Obviously, your sister has been blessed with a faster metabolism, perhaps a different body type, and maybe even better genes.
Just because you’re sisters, this doesn’t mean you both turn on the same genes.
What does this mean for you?
It means you can’t eat the same foods, same portions, and lead the same lifestyle as your sister. And if you do, you definitely won’t weigh the same.
What you’ll need to do to maintain a healthier weight is control your lifestyle habits more so than your sister.
Truthfully, both of you would benefit from leading a healthier lifestyle, because even when junk food doesn’t show on the outside, it’s doing great damage on the inside – promoting inflammation, toxicity, and dysbiosis (an imbalance of microorganisms in the intestinal tract).
Feel free to pass this helpful info along to your sister.
So there you have it … with positive changes to your lifestyle and environment, you can achieve your optimal weight and a faster metabolism.
Keep in mind that turning off genes doesn’t happen overnight and can take some time.
My recommendation?
- Get 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.
- Eat a variety of foods that balance your blood sugars like healthy fats (olive oil, coconut oil, raw nuts/seeds, avocado) and protein (deep water fish, turkey, chicken, lamb, wild game)
- Get 30 minutes of activity per day (at least).
- Find a support buddy who will be by your side cheering you on!
There are two reasons why you need extra support … more so than individuals who don’t carry the gene.
Firstly, people who carry the gene have higher Ghrelin levels, which is the hormone that tells the brain it’s time to eat.
Because of this hormone, they tend to have more cravings, a larger appetite and feel hungry soon after they’ve eaten.
One study showed that individuals with two copies of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene are biologically programmed to eat more.
During the study, the researchers evaluated changes in the brain while showing participants pictures of food.
The participants rated images of high-calorie foods as more appealing following a meal.
The differences were most noticeable in the hypothalamus and the reward regions of the brain, which are the same regions that respond to alcohol and recreational drugs.
Secondly, when people make healthy changes and don’t see results, it’s too easy to go back to old habits and throw in the towel.
A good way to ensure you stay on track is by working one-on-one with a healthcare professional, joining a support group, or finding a buddy with similar goals to join you on your weight loss journey.
If you’ve been dealt an obesity gene, chances are you won’t get down to a size 2 or enter a fitness competition, but with some serious commitment and effort on your part, you can surely achieve a healthier body weight.
From PubMed:
“The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide. Obesity is a major cause of common pathologies, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Recent advances in genomics technology have uncovered candidates for more than 40 genes associated with obesity, including the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO).”
References:
The Journal of Clinical Investigation. http://www.jci.org/articles/view/44403
Dr. Sara has appeared on multiple radio shows/podcasts, the W Network, Breakfast Television and CP24. For almost 5 years, she worked as the National Spokesperson for a well-known digestive wellness brand, educating across the globe on gut health. Dr. Sara has been named a rising star in Canada receiving the Generation Next award for her outstanding contribution to shaping the future of Canada’s grocery industry. She frequently contributes to large publications and has been published in Best Health Magazine, The Globe and Mail, Sweat Equity, Grocery Business, Inside Fitness, Canadian Living, Elevate, HELLO, and ELLE Canada.
Dr. Sara’s approach to healthcare is not as easy as taking a pill. The “quick-fix” approach is not one she subscribes to. While there’s a pill for just about everything, rarely do prescription drugs stop the course of disease - they merely mask symptoms. Dr. Sara believes true health requires a commitment from both the doctor and the patient.
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