Dieting may be easier for those with fat family, scientists claim

DIETING is more likely to be effective for people who have a history of obesity in their family.

A 20-year investigation by Harvard University has revealed that the most successful dieters are those genetically predisposed to being overweight.

Researchers found those with the highest genetic risk had a 70 per cent greater ability to reduce their body mass index (BMI).

Published in the British Medical Journal, the study tracked 14,000 people between 1986 and 2006.

Dr Louisa Ells, of Teesside University in Middlesbrough, who reviewed the findings, said: “Genetic predisposition is no barrier to successful weight management and no excuse for weak health and policy responses.”

Obesity is a complex disorder involving a mix of genes and environmental influences. Previous research has shown that diets high in sugarsweetened drinks and fried foods may amplify the genetic associations with higher body weight.

The first genes associated with putting on weight were discovered 10 years ago, since when more than a 100 new genes have been found.

Nearly half of us carry the FTO gene variant and around 16 per cent have two copies, making it 70 per cent more likely that they will become obese. The research is the first to assess the interactions between diet quality and genetic predisposition to obesity.

“Long term, dramatic weight loss is difficult to achieve, even in the context of weight-loss interventions,” said Dr Tiange Wang, from Tulane University in Louisiana. “Even modest weight loss or simply maintaining weight from adulthood onward may have a substantial effect on population health.”