Is Obesity Connected with Genetics?

Written By: Indus Health Plus Doctors Team

Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Guidelines

Last Updated : 05 Sep 2024

In the era of looking good and getting into perfect shape, being obese could be a challenge. 

Obesity is not only being overweight; it is a medical condition. It is the accumulation of excess fat, which may increase the risk of other health disorders and diseases. Obesity can lead to an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and certain cancers. 

Known to be a lifestyle disorder, but did you know it is also a genetic condition? Obesity could be a result of a lack of physical exercise, diet, or physiological factors, and it could also be genetic. That means it could be inherited. Family history also plays a dynamic role. 

Symptoms of Obesity 

The easiest way to know if you are obese is to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI). To calculate the BMI, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in square meters. If the BMI is over 23, you are obese. In many cases, the waist circumference is also counted by the doctors to help them in finalizing the treatment options. Health problems due to this are seen in men with a waist circumference over 40 inches (102 centimetres) and in women with a waist measurement over 35 inches (89 centimetres) * 

So, what happens if you are obese? 

There are some serious risk factors associated with obesity.? 

Heart diseases and stroke 

Type 2 diabetes 

Some types of cancers 

Sleep apnea is a breathing problem when the person sleeps 

Due to the excess weight, the pressure on the bone increases. That may lead to osteoarthritis. 

Apart from the health issues, obesity also causes the person anxiety about one’s weight and leads to unnecessary stress.? 

What causes obesity? 

The sedentary lifestyle has caused havoc in the health system. Inactivity and an unhealthy diet is the root cause of many health disorders including obesity.  

Weight gain can also be induced due to certain types of medications like beta blockers or antipsychotic medicines. 

Stress is another factor that can lead to weight gain. Lack of sleep also causes the body to become overweight.? 

Age and hormones play their role. As you age, the body undergoes several hormonal changes. You become less active, which leads to weight gain.? 

The most important factor which can cause obesity is your genes. Genetics plays a crucial role to determine your chance of obesity. They say being overweight runs in the family. That is true because genes determine the way your body cells convert food to energy. Genes also determine where and how the excess fat in the body is stored. Genes tell us how efficiently your body runs and they regulate the appetite too.? 

A faulty gene called the fat-mass and?obesity-associated gene?(FTO) is responsible for some cases of obesity. This gene regulates the release of growth hormones and how the body accumulates fat, among other functions. Genetic traits can increase the risk in some people. * 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know what your genes say about you? You can decode the information on your DNA to understand the genetic tendencies of your body. A game changer, genetic testing can give you personalized treatment options and help you find the right lifestyle suited just for you.? 

So, what can you do? 

Your health is the combination of the lifestyle you have and your genes. Knowing your genes is the perfect way to curate your lifestyle around them. If you have genes that may lead to obesity, you can be cautious and work towards building healthy habits.? 

Indus Health Plus has come up with a comprehensive package DNAwise, which uncovers the genetic profile. You can know the risk factors for 30+ health conditions. With the DNAwise genetic test, our experts can guide you with the diet and exercise suitable to your unique self. You can take an informed decision about anything once you know what suits you.? 

DNAwise is an easy-to-take test, which can be done from the comfort of your home, and in a few minutes. With quick reports in time and our counselling sessions, it is easy to come up with a unique comprehensive plan to be on the road to good health.? 

Connect with our helpful staff today to know more about the wonders of DNAwise genetic testing… your road to good health!