“I can’t help it, it runs in the family.” Are your genes to blame for the size of your jeans?

Yes, there are things that you’re thrilled to inherit from your mother; maybe those baby blue eyes or oh yes, definitely the glossy brown hair … But the struggle with her weight, really?

The exact influence of your genes on your jeans size is a hot topic; we do know that genetics is part of the equation. Truth is that some people definitely find it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight than others.  Research indicates that people who carry the obesity promoting FTO gene, which regulates levels of the hunger inducing hormone ghrelin, has a 23% higher risk of obesity than those who don’t. “Studies show that over half of the population’s variation in BMI can be attributed to genetic differences in individuals” says Dan Belsky, Ph.D., at the Duke University Social Science Research Institute.

That being said, your DNA is not your destiny. Research indicates that just having the gene is not sufficient to produce an obese body. Yes, the FTO gene does increase the risk of obesity, but the effects of the gene are greatly weakened by those who choose a healthy lifestyle. Although there is a lot of variation in scientific literature; studies estimate that obesity is about 40% genetic and 60% due to environmental factors. Environmental factors refer to things like the type of food you eat, how much food you eat, amounts of sugary drinks consumed, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity level, television viewing, computer use, the type of job you have and the sports you play. The impact of these factors is different for everyone.

So, don’t focus too much on DNA, you’ll miss the bigger picture! According to Robert Zitzer, M.D., of the Scottsdale Weight Loss Centre, “Genes don’t account for every pound, they don’t even account for the majority of them!”

So, fit into your jeans by:

• Walking regularly. Ban the muffin tops and bingo wings by walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Worried about the time commitment? Break the 30 minutes into shorter sessions. 10 minutes before work, 10 minutes during your lunch break, and finishing off with a 10 minute stroll after dinner. Voila!
• Choose good-for-you foods. Lots of fruit, vegetables and healthy fats. Include whole-grains low fat dairy products, lean proteins as well as nuts and eggs.
• Manage stress and get good quality sleep. The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found a strong link between stress, unhealthy eating and higher body weight. Spend more time with family and friends, try yoga or another form of meditation. Also, recent studies have found a link between a lack of sleep and hormonal changes that can lead to weight gain.

Fortunately, when it comes to obesity, our heredity rarely determines your weight destiny. While some people may be genetically predisposed to obesity, making healthy lifestyle changes can counteract genetic predisposition.

So, can your lifestyle trump your genes? According to Zhaopin Li, M.D., Ph.D., of the Centre for Human Nutrition at the University of California, “Genetics load the gun but lifestyle pulls the trigger!”

Source: www.hsph.harvard.edu, www.cdc.gov, obesity.ulaval.ca, www.healthline.com, www.womanshealthmag.com, healthland.time.com, www.webmd.com, sciencelearn.org.nz, www.psychologytoday.com, www.dailymail.co.uk