The Genetics of Obesity Exploring the Predisposition & Hormonal Response [Video]

We often talk about genetics as if it’s set in stone. For example, we use “you must have good genes” or “you are born with good looks” as common phrases. However, over the past decade, biochemists and geneticists discovered that your genetic expression changes over time. In modern times, gene specialists also question if there is a genetic cause of obesity.

Genetic Cause of Obesity

Based on environmental, cultural, or genetic factors, certain genes are strongly expressed while others are dormant. Genes also give us a lot of information about our food consumption. Therefore, is it possible that there a genetic cause of obesity? Let’s dive in.

Food Choices Affect Your Genes

According to recent study from Norway (NTNU), research show that a balanced diet is the best recipe for a life free of chronic diseases later in life. For instance, the best diet is a combination of 1/3 protein, 1/3 fat, and 1/3 carbohydrates. Does what we eat affect our Genes? One study found some amazing facts.

Case Study

The Institute of Science and Technology of Norway conducts genetic studies throughout the year. Participants received a variety of different diets. Food contains micro-nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

These compounds can trigger genetic switches that determine what genes are turned on and off. What these studies found was interesting.

Norwegan Genetic Studies

Geneticist studies reveal that a diet with 65% carbohydrates, which is often the average Norwegian meal, causes certain genes to work overtime. Eating certain foods affect not only the genes, it also triggers the acute inflammation, cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes, and some cancers. At the end of the day, what we eat food can prevent or cause disease.

Lifestyle and Preventable Disease

Are human beings designed to be magnets for sickness and disease? What do you think? These questions weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of present-day geneticists. What if lifestyle changes prove to be preventable? What if food replaced medicine?

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

It looks like Hippocrates; the father of modern medicine is right – his theory that “Food is Medicine” makes a lot of sense. Even Hollywood super stars replace their old living with a plant-based diet.

Not only do they give up past unhealthy habits, but they also get amazing results. Let’s dig a little deeper into the relationship between your genes, your diet, and your health.

What is a Gene?

As you probably know, a gene is not made by Levi 501 jeans. The gene is the basic unit of hereditary information. Genes pass down from parents to offspring and contain the information needed to determine physical and biological traits.

Most genes “code” for specific proteins. These proteins have various functions within the body. Humans have approximately 25,000 protein-coding genes. Every person has two copies of each gene. We inherit one gene from each parent.

What is the Function of a Gene?

Genes carry the information that determines your traits. For example, if both of your parents have green eyes, you inherit the trait of green eyes from them. Or if your mom has freckles, you inherit freckles from her. However, all animals and plants have genes, too.

Where are these Important Genes?

Genes are so small; you can’t see them. They develop on tiny spaghetti-like structures called chromosomes (Kro-moh-somes). These chromosomes are inside pf cells. Your body is made of billions of cells. Cells very small units that make up all living things. A cell is so tiny that you can only see it using a strong microscope.

Chromosomes come in matching sets of two (or pairs) and there are hundreds – sometimes thousands – of genes in just one chromosome. The chromosomes and genes consist of DNA, which is short for deoxyribonucleic (dee-ox-se-ri-bo-nyoo-Clay-ik) acid. Your DNA the building blocks of your genetics.

Genetics is a Branch of Biology

Genetics is a branch of biology that specialize in the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity. Although the study of genetics was around many years ago, Gregor Mendel, was the first to study it scientifically. He specialized in the study of genetic traits.

What traits are Genetic?

Parents pass on traits or characteristics (eye color and blood type) to their children through their genes. Some health conditions and diseases are also passed on. One characteristic, such as blood type, has many different forms.

For example, you can inherit blood type A, B, AB, or O. In addition, you can inherit Ab, Positive, B Positive, O Negative, O Positive (universal blood type) blood types. Altogether, these make up your genetic information.

What is Genetic Information?

Genetic information includes information about your individual genetic tests and the genetic tests of your family members. In addition, it includes data about a disease or a disorder of another family member (family medical history).

Founder, Rachele
(w) mybluegenes.com