Obesity is a global epidemic that impacts people of all ages and genders worldwide. Over the years, numerous studies have been done to understand the many factors that affect obesity.
Recently, collaborative research between the University of Galway and Brunei University London found that certain genetic factors can impact patients with severe and complicated obesity.
The project studied patients undergoing dietary weight loss programs to reverse some of the medical problems associated with severe obesity.
Scientists were able to analyze variations in hundreds of genes known to be associated with obesity, drawing “genetic risk scores” for obesity-related traits.
Namely, patients with severe and complicated obesity with a genetic predisposition to central fat accumulation had less weight loss in a meal replacement program.
While researchers acknowledge the many environmental factors that can impact obesity — such as a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet — complex genetic factors can also modify disease expression.
For example, previous research has noted how different ethnic groups have varying diabetes prevalence rates regardless of environmental factors.
Other studies have also examined the heritability of type 2 diabetes and body mass index in monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
Obesity And Weight Loss Programs
In the study, researchers focused on patients undergoing a dietary weight loss program — specifically, a milk-based meal replacement program in which patients are prescribed a fully solid isocaloric diet with individualized meal plans. Of course, this was also done under dietetic supervision.
Nowadays, many weight loss programs are available to help manage or reduce the health effects of obesity and help lose weight sustainably.
Globally recognized weight loss program WeightWatchers is one such program, approaching weight loss holistically through simple nutrition, establishing healthy habits, as well as weight loss medication.
As highlighted throughout the study, genetic factors play a huge role in determining obesity risk and its effects.
At the same time, genetics and biological factors also impact other weight-related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes.
As such, prescription weight loss medication can help level the playing field while supporting healthy weight loss.
Other Weight Loss Solutions
Of course, there are also other ways people around the world are losing and managing their weight.
As mentioned, environmental and lifestyle factors can significantly impact weight management.
In a previous post, we highlighted actor Stanley Tucci’s discovery of the wonders of olive oil and how it has become a medicinal product.
Nowadays, olive oil has become an essential product for general health. The FDA acknowledged it as a medicinal product that can help prevent coronary heart disease.
In fact, many studies have examined the surprising weight management effects of olive oil.
One such study from PREDIMED found that those who followed a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil had the most weight loss and reduction in waist circumference.
Another study confirmed that a higher baseline consumption of olive oil was associated with a lower likelihood of weight gain.
A more recent study from 2022 found that higher olive oil consumption was associated with a lower risk of total mortality from all causes, including a 13% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality and a 4% lower risk of cancer mortality.
Other weight loss solutions other than eating healthier, of course, are regular exercise to prevent the harms of sedentary living and numerous other lifestyle factors such as getting enough good quality sleep and reducing stress to prevent emotional overeating.
Regardless of your choice of weight management method — whether it’s a milk replacement weight loss program or consuming more healthy ingredients like olive oil — more and more studies are finding links between obesity and genetics.
This can help destigmatize discourse on weight loss, obesity, and other weight-related conditions, as well as provide deeper insights into what can be done to support healthy and sustainable weight loss.
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