Have you ever wondered why some people can eat ice cream, cake, sweets, or anything they want and still not gain weight? On the other hand, some people can gain weight no matter how little they eat. Have you thought about why it happened? What are the causes of obesity? Usually, your weight depends on how many calories you consume, how much is stored and how much you burn up. But each of these factors is linked with genes. Yes, according to an obesity surgeon, genes are not only factors, but they can be linked to genetics, environment and individual factors. But how? Let’s take a look in depth!
Understanding the genetic contribution:
Genes are probably a significant factor contributing to obesity. Its makeup affects various factors of appetite regulation, metabolism, food cravings, fat distribution, and energy expenditure.
- Appetite regulations: Some gene variations can alter hormone levels that regulate hunger and satiety, people feel still hungrier or less satisfied after eating.
- Metabolism: Genetics affects the basal metabolic rate, defining how efficiently burn out fat while at rest.
- Fat distribution: Inherited factors can also influence where fat is stored, particularly in such areas as the abdomen, which is high risk.
An obesity surgeon in Ahmedabad suggests researchers indicate that genetics factors approximately 40-70% of a person’s predisposition to obesity. However, having these genetic features does not ensure the chances of obesity; it indicates a higher risk of susceptibility.
The role of environmental factors:
Genetic factors are the forces inside that can lead to gaining weight and staying overweight, while environmental factors are forces outside that contribute to these problems. Many features of modern life can promote weight gain. Today’s obesogenic environment encourages us to eat more and exercise less.
Childhood habits usually stick with people for the rest of their lives. Kids who drink sugary sodas and eat high-calorie, processed foods develop a taste for these products and continue eating them as adults, which grows to encourage weight gain. Same as kids who watch television and play video games instead of being active and maybe programming themselves for an inactive future. This is growing evidence that wider aspects of the way we live — such as how much we sleep, our stress levels, and other psychological factors — can affect weight as well.
Understanding genetic disorder and obesity with obesity surgeon:
The strength of the genetic influence can vary from person to person. Research suggests that for some people, genes account for just 25% of the predisposition to be overweight, while for others, genetics may be high in 70% to 80%. Having an idea of how significant role genes play in your weight may be helpful in terms of treating and weight problems. While, identifying these conditions through genetic testing can be vital for diagnosis and tailored management.
Importance of genetic testing:
Genetic testing is not recommended for all people with obesity. It may be considered in such cases as:
- Severe, early-onset obesity.
- Family history with the genetic pattern.
- Syndromic obesity.
In such cases, genetic testing can be helpful for personalised diagnosis and treatment management.
Treatment options for obesity influenced by genetics:
Despite genetic predisposition, effective treatment options are available for notable improvement in health conditions. Including;
- Medical nutritional therapy: It is tailored to metabolic needs aligned with dietary interventions.
- Physical activity programs: In these structured exercise plans consider a person-to-person capability.
- Pharmacotherapy: There are medications provided by an obesity surgeon in Ahmedabad to target the patient’s appetite and metabolism.
- Weight loss surgery in Ahmedabad: Surgical intervention not only limits food intake but is also beneficial to alter hormonal signals related to hunger and metabolism.
An obesity surgeon’s viewpoint on obesity:
Obesity is a chronic and complex disease that affects your overall health and quality of life. It collects excessive body fat, leading to serious health conditions. It can affect your self-esteem and mental health also. It is important to move beyond blame or moral failure instead of identifying the biological, environmental, and behavioural of these conditions. With personalised, detailed treatment plans, people can achieve significant weight loss and live sustainable lives with notable changes in health conditions.
Summary:
Obesity can be environmental, genetic, or both. But that doesn’t mean having genes associated with obesity will always lead to weight gain. Obesity from any cause is treated with lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical interventions. When genetics are a significant factor, additional experts, like an obesity surgeon, may become a part of a healthy living journey.
