The World Health Organization estimates 1 billion adults are overweight and at least 300 million are clinically obese. Health officials blame the increased consumption of nutrient-poor, energy dense foods – such as sugar, saturated fat, and fast food – and reduced physical activity for the spike in obesity.
Obesity is a known risk factor for various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer.
And while poor diet and inactivity is commonly blamed for obesity, mental illness, like eating disorders and depression, and genetics may increase a person’s risk of becoming overweight or obese.
But as for genetics, in a new study, published in the Public Library of American Science Medicine journal, researchers say exercise can reduce individuals’ genetic predisposition to obesity.
The study involved 20,430 people living in Norwich, Britain and found most participants inherited to 10 and 13 genetic variants known to raise the risk of obesity; some people inherited as many as 17 variants.
Data showed each genetic variant was associated with grams of weight. In active individuals the genetic variant increase was equivalent to a 592 gram increase in body mass index, but people who exercise only had a 379 gram increase.
So the researchers reiterate that in order to help prevent obesity it is important to get plenty of exercise.
Image credit: Mushroom and Rooster
Binge drinking
Smoking can be traced back all the way to
Red meat doesn’t have a good reputation when it comes to heart health. Foods like beef and steak are high in cholesterol, a
Family history, or “your genes,” is a major factor in predicting your health and potential health problems later in life; such as heart disease, diabetes, and breast cancer.
Fish is a staple in many parts of the world, especially countries near the ocean, like Japan, the Philippines, and Mediterranean nations, such as Italy and Greece.
Meat, whether it is beef, pork, chicken, or fish, is a high-energy food, meaning every bite has a lot of calories; unlike vegetables which have fiber, making them low-calorie foods. Meat does not contain fiber.
Consuming fish has been linked to a myriad of health benefits, mostly due to omega-3 fatty acids, which have been associated with 