Although research in this area is still in its preliminary stages, the results are very promising. However, even if more compelling evidence arises in the future, we need to understand that genes are not destiny. Just because an individual possesses this thrifty genotype or a mutated allele does not necessarily entail that this individual will become obese; it just means that this person is more susceptible to weight gain. Also, these mutated alleles have little significance alone and the presence of a large sum of mutated genes is needed in order to truly have a defining effect on a person's weight. As Dr Joseph Majzoub, one of the authors of the paper published in Science, explains “Thus far mutations in about eight genes are known to cause obesity in humans.
little significance alone and the presence of a large sum of mutated genes is needed in order to truly have a defining effect on a person's weight. As Dr Joseph Majzoub, one of the authors of the paper published in Science, explains “Thus far mutations in about eight genes are known to cause obesity in humans. But these mutations account for under five percent of the obesity in our society, and certainly are not, by themselves, responsible for the current obesity epidemic” and PWS and other genetic syndromes that are associated with obesity are extremely rare. So, what is the role of genetics in weight? The answer is rather simple; genetics is one of the many factors that affect weight. Our awareness of the effect of genes on weight will aid us in our efforts against the obesity epidemic, as individuals with genetic makeups that make them susceptible to weight gain take into consideration such special conditions in their lifestyle choices. One's family history could be of bad habits not bad genes and that's why this person becomes obese, in contrast to a person with bad genes who takes such into consideration and can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Obesity is not an either-or situation; it is not genetics alone nor habits alone, and it can definitely be prevented with a combination of a balanced diet, physical activity, and medication if needed.
Works Cited
Bell, Christopher G., Andrew J. Walley, and Philippe Froguel. "The Genetics Of Human Obesity." Nature Reviews Genetics 6.3 (2005): 221-234. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Nov. 2013.
"Genetics of Obesity." AMA. American Medical Association, 2013. Web. 29 Nov. 2013.
"Obesity & Genetics." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Jan. 2010. Web. 27 Nov. 2013.
"Obesity: In Statistics." BBC News. BBC, 01 Feb. 2008. Web. 29 Nov. 2013.
Sifferlin, Alexandra. "New Genes IDd in Obesity: How Much of Weight Is Genetic? | TIME.com." Time: Health & Family. Time, 19 July 2013. Web. 27 Nov. 2013.
Thomas, Susan. "Genes and Obesity: Fast Food Isn't Only Culprit in Expanding Waistlines -- DNA Is Also to Blame." UCLA Newsroom. UCLA, 8 Jan. 2013. Web. 29 Nov. 2013.