Peter 's Blog: Does Your Genetic Code Make You Fat?

James Fallon, a neuroscientist at the University of California-Irvine has used PET brain scan images of psychopaths and found that the images of serial killers shared similar traits.  Fallon believes that the body of evidence is growing and indicates that the brains of some individuals along with their personal histories predisposes them towards violence and damaging behaviors.  Fallon's study may also suggest that these traits can be passed down from one generation to another.  Despite these findings, Fallon cautioned that genotyping is a young field and scientists world wide have just begun to study this area of the brain in 'normal folks' — much less the brains of athletes . 

Interesting... but can this new research be applied to our fitness goals?  Can studying our genes and genetic code help us get in shape faster and stay in shape longer?

...[T]he orbital cortex puts a brake on another part of the brain called the amygdala, which is involved with aggression and appetites. But in some people, there's an imbalance — the orbital cortex isn't doing its job — perhaps because the person had a brain injury or was born that way.

~James Fallon

Genetics and You

Question: Do genetics directly impact our fitness and health levels?

Answer: Yes.  The really, really simple short term answer to that question is yes.  BUT- how we live our lives, in and out of the gym may have the greatest impact; not our genes.  Genetics do have an enormous impact in the early stages of our lives and fitness goals but they are not the determining factor say researchers like Fallon.  

Lifestyles and behaviors are established early in life; therefore, a focus on healthful behaviors is vital to promoting healthy weight. The primary goals of overcoming childhood overweight should be healthful eating and increased activity. It is important for children to consume enough calories to support normal growth and development without promoting excessive weight gain. The home, childcare setting, school, and community are all integral to a more healthful environment for our children.

~Colorado State University Extension

Your Body and Genetics

Having heavy parents or the 'fat' gene in your family history does not predestine you to being a fat child, a fat teen or a fat adult.  For most of us, those without physical or mental disabilities, our bodies are the result of our life long habits.  You know, 3 cookies instead of 2.  Four scoops of ice cream instread of one.  Mochas instead of Lattes.  Doing 8 reps instead of 12.  Four miles instead of five.  Missing workouts on a regular basis.  It's all the little things like that that add up on the scale and the body fat calculators.  It's more about us, our will power, rather than our bodies.  For most people, they give up before they get want they want.  Some of the lucky ones might actually hit their goal but stop working out and end up back to their former self wondering where their perfect body went.

Quick Facts...

• Overweight children have an increased risk of being overweight as adults.
• Genetics, behavior, and family environment play a role in childhood overweight.
• Childhood overweight increases the risk for certain medical and psychological conditions.
• Encourage overweight children to be active, decrease screen time, and develop healthful eating habits.

~Colorado State University Extension