Study Finds Obesity Gene Not A Barrier to Weight Loss

Genetics play a role in the cause of obesity, but do they affect obesity treatment? A recent study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that people with the FTO "obesity gene" (a gene linked to weight gain) are just as likely to benefit from weight loss programs as those without the gene.

The study analyzed eight previously conducted trials involving over 9,500 overweight and obese adults, to determine if carrying the obesity-linked FTO gene had an effect on an individual's ability to lose weight.

In all of the studies, individuals were tested to determine if they carried the gene, and whether they had one copy or two of the genetic variant.  The participants were involved in various diet, exercise, and weight loss interventions and the carrying of the gene appeared to have no effect on weight loss (including BMI, waist circumference and body weight).

This study suggests that diet, exercise and behavioral weight loss interventions are beneficial, even if an individual has a greater risk for weight gain due to genetics.

Full Journal Article Here: http://www.bmj.com/content/354/bmj.i4707

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