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Health: Daily exercise 'key to cutting obesity risk'
Taking regular exercise could cut the risk of obesity by 40% in people predisposed to the condition, experts said today.
Although most cases of obesity are due to lifestyle factors such as an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise, some cases are linked to genetics.
Experts have now found that even those people who are the most genetically programmed to become obese can reduce their risk by taking daily exercise, including moderate activity such gardening.
Those who are the most active can cut their chance of developing obesity by 40% on average, despite their genetic make-up, when compared with the least active.
The findings challenge the idea that obesity is unavoidable if it runs in families.
More than 20,400 people aged 39 to 79 were studied for the research, carried out by a team from the Medical Research Council (MRC) epidemiology unit in Cambridge.
They gave DNA samples and completed questionnaires about how much physical activity they undertook at work and in their leisure-time.
Their DNA was then examined to see if contained one or more of 12 genetic markers known to increase weight and the risk of obesity.
This information was used to calculate a genetic susceptibility score for each person, indicating their risk of obesity.
The research showed the link between genetic score and a high body mass index (BMI) was significantly more pronounced in inactive people.
The experts concluded: "Our data show that increased physical activity levels are associated with lower BMI in the population overall, but that particular individuals who are genetically predisposed to obesity would benefit more from increased physical activity levels than individuals who are genetically protected."
Dr Ruth Loos, from the MRC and lead author of the study, added: "Our research proves that even those who have the highest risk of obesity from their genes can improve their health by taking some form of daily physical activity.
"People don't have to run marathons to make a difference either - walking the dog or working in the garden all counts.
"It goes to show we're not complete slaves to our genetic make-up and really can make a big difference to our future health by changing our behaviour."
Professor Stephen Holgate, chair of the MRC's population and systems medicine board, said: "Obesity is one of the most challenging health issues facing our society and therefore a central target for the MRC's research.
"By investigating the basis of obesity, genetic or otherwise, we can use sound science to inform public health messages that give people the power to take control of their weight and health."
The study was published in the journal PLoS Medicine.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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