Fat genes can’t stoP your weIght loss

LONDON: Do not blame your genes for not being able to reduce that ever-burgeoning waistline. While your genes can increase the risk of obesity, they do not hamper weight-loss, researchers have found. People carrying a gene associated with fat mass and obesity — FTO gene — are at risk of being heavier and increasing their obesity levels. Carriers of this FTO gene are known to be on an average three kilos heavier and 70% more likely to be obese. However, carrying the risk version of the FTO gene has no effect on weight loss, as people with FTO gene respond just as well to weight loss interventions as everyone else, the study said. “You can no longer blame your genes. Our study shows that improving your diet and being more physically active will help you lose weight, regardless of your genetic makeup,” said lead author Professor John Mathers at Newcastle University in Britain. Moreover, the response to weight loss interventions for people carrying the risk variant of the FTO gene was similar for men and women, younger and older and of different ethnicities, the researchers stated. The study was published in the journal The BMJ.