Slim Down With Exercise In Spite Of 'Fat Genes'

Blame it on your 'fat genes' by all means. But it doesn't mean you can't fight the tendency toward obesity, according to a new study reported in PLoS Medicine. Moderate exercise like a brisk walk can, in fact, counter your body's natural predisposition to gain weight. British researchers involved in the study investigated 12 genetic variants linked with obesity and tracked the physical activity levels of 20,430 people. The objective was to estimate a person's risk of obesity given his genetic profile and to determine if an active lifestyle could neutralize genetic influence. Findings indicated physical activity can indeed stymie the genetic slant toward obesity by as much as 40%. Senior researcher Ruth Loos, of Great Britain's Medical Research Council in Cambridge, remarks the findings challenge the widely accepted belief that obesity is inevitable if it runs in the family. She says even simple exercises like walking the dog or biking to work can pay off impressively. US experts agree the study reinforces previous evidence on the ability of behavioral factors to override genetic bias.

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