Is Obesity GENETIC? (Who do you get to blame?)

I know I am going to ruffle feathers with this post and you know I am TOTALLY ok with that. As a physician I talk to people about their weight everyday and I often hear "that it is just the way that I am", or "My mom and dad are obese, my brothers and sisters are obese so there is nothing I can do it is genetic in my family." Those are just excuses.

I am here to give my opinion about the subject as well as discuss some legitimate research about this topic. If you are one of these people using this excuse as a crutch then this post will probably make you angry (but maybe for good reason).

Here it is......IS OBESITY GENETIC?...........in my opinion .............. NO!!!!

Now for the literature I have read. I read one article that said that adopted people grow up to have similar body types as their BIOLOGICAL parents. So that would suggest that it is genetic right? Well there is no GENE that has been identified as an Obesity gene so the rationale of the article as well as what I have thought about that is that there are some things that are genetic. Addictions, cravings, depression, and other things that can lead someone to overeat or not exercise.

According to the CDC (center for disease control)

"However genes do not always predict future health. Genes and behavior may both be needed for a person to be overweight. In some cases multiple genes may increase one’s susceptibility for obesity and require outside factors; such abundant food supply or little physical activity."

So genes lead us to having condition that restrict our physical activity or require a higher caloric intake but they are not a direct lead to obesity. The direct link has not been found and so as it sits now the answer by the authorities is that they don't know and that it might have an effect but they don't know how.

Here is my opinion on the subject. I believe that there is a "hereditary" component to obesity but not a genetic one. I know they are basically the same thing. But what I mean in this situation by "hereditary" is something passed down from parent to child. And here is my list of things that may be passed down from parent to child that aids in this epidemic.

1) Disinterest in exercise
2) Poor eating habits
3) Creating excuses for behavior
4) Love for candy, sweets, or other unhealthy foods.
etc. etc. etc.

Those are the kinds of things that we get from our parents that can lead to this pandemic. I am happy to say that I am proud of the way that my parents raised me. My mom ALWAYS had a balanced meal for me to eat. They taught me the importance of moderation in all things and when it is ok to eat NACHOS (BYU football games). I was never pushed into exercise as a child but because of the example of my father and older brother they taught me that playing basketball outside was fun and also made us feel good (besides the broken wrists that may or may not have happend, right Derek?). I am proud of my family and would not be in the health, profession, or lifestyle without their help. I am happy to say that our family genes are great we have very little hereditary health issues so it makes me run out of excuses quickly.

Thanks Mom and Dad.