Is obesity really hereditary?

Is obesity really hereditary?Of course, I know that everyone needs to eat right, exercise and drink plenty of water to stay fit, but in my family the majority of us are overweight. I've recently noticed that I'm trending in this direction too, so I'm planning to get more exercise and eat healthier. What role, if any, does genetics play in becoming obese?

The Scott
for the most part obesity is hereditary... but it ahs also been known to be linked to mc donalds burgers and twinkees.

gord1202
Could be genetics, but my family has some overweights in it, I run cross country/track and im skinny as a rail. In my opinion execise and good eating habits are all you need.

jayboo_7
You may be able to notice some other things that keep obesity in your family -

Does your family eat alot of fast food?

When was the last time your family ate a normal sized meal at the table together?

Do your family members isolate when they eat?

Does anyone in your family excercise?

How much water does your family drink in comparison to soda?

Is there a "snack shelf" but nothing in the veggie bin?

Do you ever buy organic food or is it all processed?
You know, when they put hormones into animals to make them grow bigger - you are eating those hormones as well. Guess what happens...

STU
depends on the type of obesity. Some types are and some types are not.

Like sitting on a couch all day... not some much hereditary, but can be an environmental influence on a child's future activity skills.

Leptin defects , hereditary, have been know to effect obesity with in people.

It all really depends on "your" genetics. And since you say that most of you family is overweight it is either your families lifestyle or genetics.

If it is lifestyle then that is going to an easier battle. However if it is genetics your battle will be more difficult

Anyways, Good luck!! :)

jazzone2000
I find that most people misunderstand genetics. Your genes are not a blueprint that strictly define your body type. It's more like a set of instructions for building your body. There is quite a bit of room for variation in those instructions. That's where the environment plays a role. Yes, genetics affect your weight and build, but as you stated before, so do diet and exercise. Genes are regulated (expressed or not expressed) depending on environmental cues. So, it may be that your genes predispose you to obesity. Good, you've decided to do something about it! Congratulations. I am a very skinny chap, and I recently started going to the gym 4 or 5 times a week. My confidence shot through the roof. I feel stronger, healthier, bigger.

I also like the fact that several people mentioned your family's lifestyle. Some things are attributed to genetics when in fact they are probably more appropriately attributed to our cultural lifestyle. If you learned your social habits from your family, it stands to reason that you would tend to have the same health problems they do. Break the cycle; be fit; look good; and feel great. It's not easy, but the end result is well worth the effort. I dread going to the gym every evening, but I feel great when I leave, and I sleep like a baby.

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