Could Your Genes Be Responsible for Your Weight?

Research has shown that genes do indeed play an important role in how our bodies burn and store fat. While this may seem like an easy way to blame all that extra weight on your ancestors , let's take a look at the real science behind this claim. Genetics may be a part of your total weight problem, but environment, habits, lifestyle, and diet are also very important. While you cannot change what the gene pool has provided, you can change some of these other factors and get on the road to finally losing that extra weight.

A Mismatch Between What We Eat and Our Genetic Makeup

Floyd Chilton PhD, a Wake Forest University professor and author of The Gene Smart Diet, says that people's genes were just not designed for the diet and lifestyle of the modern world. He contends that because we aren't eating the way our genes would like us to eat, then we're missing out on a lot of important bioactive substances found in certain foods. These bioactive substances actually send messages to the genes and that in turn keeps us healthy. Dr. Chilton thinks that the major health crisis happening in the U.S. right now has been caused by this food-genetic mismatch. The diet works on five basic principles.

5 Basic Principles to Dr. Chilton's Gene Smart Diet

First, get more exercise. The research supporting the relationship between exercise and weight loss is undeniable. Second, reduce the amount of calories consumed every day. Research, and common sense, have shown this also to be true. Third, increase the overall amount of fiber each day. Fiber-rich foods will help you eat less because it is more filling, making you feel full quicker. Fiber is an important part of moving food through the body quickly and more fiber in your diet is just healthier. Fourth, getting more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet is essential. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish or be taken as a supplement. Finally, increase polyphenols. These are powerful antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, and tea.

This Gene Smart Diet recommends foods full of vital, heart-healthy nutrients, and that can't be bad no matter how you look at it. Certain critics of this diet will say that there are hundreds of genes that are linked to body weight and obesity, and that each person's genetic make-up is unique to them. They say it's not smart to rely on a diet that claims to alter the ways your genes function. Others contend that this is a healthy diet and it will help you lose weight and increase your overall health. I say, take what's good in the book about types of healthy foods and exercise, and create your own personal diet that works for you. Ultimately, it's not your genes that are responsible for your weight loss, it's you.

WebMD.com; "The Gene Smart Diet"

HealthNewsDigest.com; "Innovative New Wellness and Nutrition Program Leverages Latest Understanding of Relationship Between Diet and Genes"