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October 11, 2010 • Fitness, Healthy Living, Weight Control

Genetics and Obesity

In yet another study, echoing what past studies have thankfully shown – good ole’ healthy living can shut off unhealthy genes.  In an evaluation of over 20,000 adults that focused on genetic variants linked to a higher risk of obesity, study subjects who adhered to a physically active lifestyle were 40 percent less likely to be obese than their fellow inactive study subjects that shared the same obesity genes. (PLoS Medicine, Aug 2010 )  Genes are not destiny.  Just like a gun, they indeed hold the power, but someone has to pull the trigger. In the case of your genes that “someone” is your diet and lifestyle. Fitness and nutritional excellence are a potent trigger for the expression of good genes. At the other end of the spectrum, a sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet are a powerful trigger for the expression of bad genes. If you are like me and love being in control of your health, this is awesome news!