New Study Points Finger For Obesity At Genes
 

OBESITY can now legitimately be blamed on your genes, scientists said yesterday.

Variations in a gene carried by 16 per cent of the population can make people up to 70 per cent more likely to become obese, according to a major study involving thousands of Scottish volunteers.

The researchers said they had now identified the clearest genetic link yet to weight gain and obesity in the population.

Read More Here:
http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=565222007

At least knowing it's there means they can find better ways to treat it and help people. :)

EAT LESS ENERGY THAN YOU CONSUME = YOU LOSE WEIGHT

What is so difficult to understand? Lazy fatties now have a new article they can point to when they say it's not their fault :)

If you can't see a link between an overweight family having an overweight child, then you are just being closed minded.

Yes, I realize they'd develop the poor eating habits of their parents... in time, but even their newborn is likely to be overweight. And all it'll have is milk.

Motabolism simply isn't the same from person to person. Some people burn fat faster than others. Some have a very hard time burning it at all while others can appear to eat forever and not gain a pound.

My personal views aren't that harsh, but I agree that it is mostly the fault of the person to be overweight. It basically does simply come down to how much you eat, mostly how much you eat on a regular basis - past and presently.

Yes, some people may be at a larger risk for becoming overweight, but that just means that those people should try to regulate the amount of food they eat on a regular basis. Also, it says 16% of the population are at risk, yet in the United States you have around 32% of the population obese, and over 60% overweight.

Basically, it is another excuse for the person to blame someone else, not him or herself.

How many instances of obese animals do you find in nature? The only obese animals I've ever seen beyond their natural bounds are domesticated animals over-stuffed by their owners who don't meter their food (as they don't meter their own). All this shows is that some people are more predisposed to the effects of their unhealthy living than others.

I agree to a certain extent with Stuart, that there is a genetic pre-disposition in some people. That said, I am also a big fan of people taking personal responsibility for themselves and solving there own problems.

Fact is, if you are so fat you need a power scooter to get up to the buffet, you reaaaaly ought to think about where the problem is. Yes, your genetics may suck, but if you get winded opening your box of twinkies, that is your fault.

Power scooter? I need a golf cart, bitch. :321GFY

Maybe it's in the genes that they eat too much..nothing to do with metabolism. Maybe 1% of obese people have something to do with their physical condition.. I'm assuming the 16% is a mental 'condition'. You eat even if you're not hungry, or maybe your mind thinks you're hungry even if your body isn't.. maybe this is what they mean fat people have. Any of you people who say "fuck you fatties, eat less calories than you consume" have any bad habits, like smoking? It's easier said than done to quit a habit, be it cigarettes or twinkies.

I'm fat, I make no excuses, I sit on my ass for 18 hours a day. Nothing to do with genes. I don't eat much, but then agian..I don't do any sports and maybe walk 3 miles per day with my dog and that's all the exercise I get. But I'm healthy, good cholesterol, bloodpressure etc.. so no worries. When I get rid of my work-o-holism, maybe I'll start sports :)

Which means @ 2/3 of the obese people have no excuse.

% Obese People - 32.9% (in the 2003?2004 survey)
16% gene X .70 more likely = 11.2%

At one point I was 25 lbs over my normal weight. I started eating right and continue to do so because I did not like how I looked and felt. All it takes is a little discipline.

If someone has a slower metabolism, he just can work harder and there's also ways to help your metabolism like lifting weights and eating multiple small portions instead of big meals.

You know what's funny? I've watched a few episodes of the biggest loser.

ALL THE CONTESTANTS LOST WEIGHT.

They all followed common sense plan made by their trainers: good diet + hard work. There is no magic.

IF YOU ARE A FATTY AND WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT, JUST DO STOP BEING LAZY.

Thank you.


P.S.: I have nothing against people who are overweight, it's just that I don't like people not accepting their responsibilities.

Oh, I didn't say they couldn't lose the weight, I just said that they'd have to work way harder to burn the fat. And not everyone in the world has the motivation to work that hard all their lives to be skinny. Especially when it seems like your own body is against you.

Woohoo, now I'm gonna go stuff my face with all sorts of deep-fried crap food and I'll get away with being obese 'cause I can blame it on my genes!

I like cheese.

Look at the other side of the coin then. Explain to me why my son can consume 3 times as much as an adult, and he's still so scrawny he's in clothes two age groups below him? The opposite is true of him, he inherited an OVERACTIVE metabolism, and nothing I or anyone else can do can change that. We can do our best to give him a good diet, but in the end his body will be what it will be. I feel very much for people who have to battle not only themselves, but their genetics to battle obesity, because it makes the job doubly tough. Certainly not an excuse to not live/eat a healthy way, but show me someone who's perfect all the time and I'll show you a liar :)

This gene must be running rampant in the US.

I'm with the "eat less food" crowd.

Yes, it's your genes making you fat, not the lack of exercise or the fact that most fat people consume way too much of foods they don't need, because they taste good.

Get off your ass and come to terms with the fact that food will not cure your boredom and will not make you happy. Food is the fuel your body burns. You wouldn't sit around at a gas station with friends for 3 hours pumping your gas tank full of premium while it spills out around you so why do it at a dinner table?

It may appear as though your son eats "3 times" as much as an adult (which I doubt) because he might eat in bursts. For example, you probably cook his meals, and you witness him eating a lot at that time, but you have to remember; that is probably the only big meal he will eat all day. (You can do a calorie count on him, probably low.)

People that have weight issues may eat over longer periods and think they aren't eating a lot, but in reality they are eating 5x as much as a person on a 'regular' diet. Also, your son probably gets unconventional exercise from playing.

Basically, it boils down to calories and exercise. Some people probably do have poor metabolism, but I and others would argue that metabolism isn't having as much impact as others that disagree may think.

Overall, just do a calorie count on your son and I'd guarantee he isn't eating 3x as much as a normal adult, that is so ridiculous it is funny.

Well, as I said earlier..addiction as any other. It's just easier to judge fat people because you think what causes the addiction (if there is one) and you don't personally have that. It's also pretty easy to spot fat people.

I personally think that people who 'hate' fat people should also consider hating other groups, such as smokers, drug users, drinkers, people who do steroids or other supplements and be addicted to going to gym or any other 'habit' that fucks your body up.

It's so easy to say "eat less and exercise". I don't have time or will to exercise, and I live to eat (not quantity, quality) not eat to live. I will start to do some light exercise when golf season officially opens though, not because I want to lose weight but because I like golf. I don't claim to be the sexiest individual in the world, but I don't see why I should even try to be. You don't like me, tough luck..poke your eyes out.

I'm sure there'll be many people answering how they just stopped smoking, only do drugs as a recreational use and have it totally under control or only drink your wines socially. Yeah, sorry mr or mrs perfect. Drop all of your habits or admit you're as "weak" as I am, or any other tub of lard.

I personally think people judging OTHER peoples bodies or habits are fucking shallow and slightly retarded. Mind your own businesses.

</end rant towards rant>

To quote the Dixie Chicks, There's Your Trouble.

But, at least you admit that you are a slob and live the lifestyle of a glutton.

Damn straight, only that there's no "trouble".

Now, you try to claim you're perfect? Congrats!
Admitting your errors is the first step towards recovery.. apparently I'm way ahead of you people. :1orglaugh


edit: Awaiting witty comebacks, such as "yeah? yeah? but you're fat"

I hate everyone equally.

When your fatness, smoking, drinking and drugging are the reason my taxes and insurance premiums are higher than they should be, I can bitch.

Oh please.. someone being fat has shit to do with your insurance premiums or taxes.

I've been thinking about getting one of those fat people scooters for a long time. I'm not really fat, but I am that lazy.

Actually, it is kind of a problem. I won't ever say I'm perfect, but you are engaging in one of the leading causes of death, yet you laugh and joke about it.

For example, a heroin addiction is a lot healthier than a food addiction. Heroin addiction is 1 problem, while a food addiction leads to a myriad of diseases (diabetes, heart disease, etc).

I'd definitely rather be a coke/heroin addict than a food addict. Why? It is healthier and I would have mobility, without being predisposed to a plethora of diseases.

LOL today's the fat argument day, as opposed to the global warming argument day.

It's amazing how black and white people are in this world about hot button issues that don't affect them, but expect you to be grey and understanding when it does.

Sure, we all need to take responsibility for our own lives, however if you make the mistake of gaining weight in the first place science is proving time and time again that nature is working against you when you try to correct it.

Does that mean if I eat just a minimal amount of food and exercise every single day that I would never gain my weight back...more than likely yes...however I will gain the weight back and then some at some point if I ever slow down in the slightest bit.

Research has shown that as your life progresses like a thermostat your body becomes at different times in your life with a set weight.

For example if weighed 150 as a young man for 10 years that will become the set weight my body is comfortable with, but in my 30's I gain 50 pounds and keep it on until my 40's, then 200 becomes that set weight.

Now in order to see how this affects people, they took a group of people and in the beginning gave them a specific eating plan to maintain their normal weight...they then told them to eat whatever they wanted to. Those people gained weight, about 10-15 pounds. They then told them to go back to their base eating plan and their bodies somehow returned to their normal set weight.

They then put these people on a diet, and they lost 10-15 pounds, once they took them off of the diet, and they went back to the base eating plan...guess what? They went back to their set weight.

What they also found was that when you gained the weight that it was much easier to lose it to get back to your set weight. But once you started to lose weight that your body began to work against you, that it actually took less energy to burn up what you ate.

So yes, diet and exercise are key, but it's an uphill battle the whole way.

You're retarded.

Well let's see. Someone gets fat. Has health problems and no money or job. Who pays for his medical bills? MEDICAID. Where does this money for medicaid come from? TAXPAYERS.

Same thing applies to those with insurance. Those that are fat or smoke do pay higher premiums, but if you think that makes up for all their extra health costs you are running into SUPER retardation time. It's everyone else that has to make up the difference.

LEARN about things before spouting off stupidity.

I'm sure you are so perfect that nothing you do impacts others.

I probably do raise other people's blood pressure.

I'm not obese. I don't smoke. I rarely drink. I don't do drugs. Sorry that bothers you.

Fact is I do have a family history of alcoholism. I'm sure genes play a role. doesn't mean that's an excuse to become an alcoholic. In fact I think that's reason to make sure I'm even more careful when it comes to alcohol. Thankfully it's not something I have ever particularly desired.

Fat people don't work? Why wouldn't fat people work? Hell, half of the population of the US is fat, none of them work and pay taxes? Everyone just lives off your hard work? Wars overseas, ginormous military, unemployment, welfare and such have nothing to do with taxes? Fat people are the cause?

Get real.
If you hate fat people, atleast admit that you hate them for some 'non-reasonable' reason, like we're ugly or stupid, or both.


Who's joking?

I'm fat. I love food. I love cooking. I know my igredients. I use organic materials to cook with. I don't eat junkfood. I don't use saturated fats. I don't use refined sugars. I don't even own a microwave.

My bloodpressure is within normal limits, I have low cholesterole and I'm as healthy as any other webmaster you're likely to meet. (didn't use finnish free healthcare to do my medical exam either GatorB, paid for it with cash..so no insurance premiums either)

What's the point in living if you have to worry about every single thing you eat, being constantly on a diet, and then worry about outside pressure about your looks. Fuck that. If you want to be perfect and gorgeous and think you'll be happy if you look better than your neighbor, knock yourself out..but don't try to force other people to fit into your mold (we can't fit in it, we're too big)

I'm off to eat some cheese, fruit and walnuts and organic honey with red wine now, so don't mind me if I don't reply to this thread anymore. Gonna go get me a heart-attack.

Are you being retarded on purpose or are you actually retarded? Did I say ALL fat people don't work? No. Are ther people so fat they can't work? YES.

Everyone I hate I have a good reason. I hate you because you are retarded. Unlike actual retards that can't help they are that way, you choose to be a retard.

Here's some advice for you

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...l/Roulette.jpg

Of course you listed the most common things...but my point is I'm sure..and I would wager my life on it that there is something you do in your life that raises the cost of something for someone else...hell I don't know your history maybe you've had more than your fair share of wrecks...maybe you steal library books...maybe you like to let the water run the entire time you're brushing your teeth...maybe you drive a hummer...you guys scream "take responsibility," well begin with your own life.

Sorry, I'm retarded. Can you show me how to do that, I'll follow your example. I promise.

..and you have absolutely no point in your argument. There's people who can't work because they're so fat? So? There's people who can't work because they're too uneducated, are slackers, or just too dumb.. what's your point? There is none, you just want to feel better about yourself. Try to do that some other way than comparing your physique to someone else.

Good reason? Retard? Explain.

If I enjoy good food, but don't exercise..hence I get fat, but I'm still healthy. I don't have any signs of diabetes, I have no high-bloodpressure or any other symptoms you might call 'self inflicted' as I said before.

I bet YOU have higher bloodpressure than I do, and probably are in the same risk category to get cardiac arrest than I am. I bet you still can comfort yourself in the fact that you're thinner than I am, therefore a better person.

TeenGodFather,

No one mentioned "hate" in this thread until you did.

Obesity is a major health issue. The study results cited in this thread indicate that few of those considered obese can attribute it to genetics.

Obesity increases the risk for other health problems and raises medical costs through higher premiums or more tax dollars spent for care.

websiex,

I am not defending alcohol and drug abuse, smoking or other wasteful habits which also cause health problems.

This thread is about obesity. Those who are concerned about it will do something. Those who aren't, won't.

I don't really watch what I eat, but I also don't have food in my hand 2/3 of the day. Also, I don't understand how you're obese and only eat healthy food such as peanuts and fruit.

And, everyone that isn't fat is 'on a diet'. It would actually be reversed; the fat gluttons are the ones with strict diets of pounds upon pounds of food each day. Must be rough eating and cooking all day..

Quit making everything about YOU. That's your first problem.

If you had a family history of being prone to skin cancer would you say "fuck it" and go out in the sun all the time and not use sun block? Or would you go out less and use sun block when you did? But god forbid you advise a fat ass with a genetic propensity for obesity to eat healthier or exercise more. If you do then you're being a "hater".

A simple review for those that dont get it.

1 - A calorie is simply a measurement of a unit of energy.
2 - "calories" measure the energy value of the food you consume
3 - consume more energy than you expend, your body stores that energy

NOTHING MAKES YOU OBESE BUT CONTINUALLY EATING MORE CALORIES THAN YOU BURN. ITS SIMPLE PHYSICS.

all peoples metabolisms are not equal. some people burn more energy throughout the day, some less. some people have more efficient metabolisms, some less efficient. etc etc etc.. all those types of arguments have nothing to do with the simple fact that the power and control to be obese or not obese is always in the individuals hands. "Genetics" does not cause a surplus of calories consumed for the day. "Genetics" is just an excuse.

I think more than anything people need to excersize self control. Its so easy to over indulge in this society but if food is such a big factor to your happiness, it might to be time to take a look at your life and why you can't find joy in other things to fill the void. Sure, some people are genetically fat or rather have a slower metabolism and will always struggle with weight but compared to 50 years ago there were no were near the &#37; of overweight people in the western world as there is today, so obviously something is wrong
In the end overweight people cost a helluva lot of money here in canada, and smokers cost even more. thats the breaks when you have "free" health care.

No.. actually he NEEDS to consume that amount just to keep himself going. I mean it when I say he eats more than most adults, and he's 8. But he's in size 6 clothing and weighs 50 pounds. I've never seen a kid sit down at a buffet and outdo everyone at the table, and he eats like this consistantly.. when he doesn't, I know he's sick. I got him checked out and the doctor said his metabolism will likely stabilize as he gets older, but for now he will eat like 5 kids (or several adults) just to maintain his weight (and he is underweight for his height/age, not malnourished though, just small, he checks out healthy as a horse otherwise). In his case, it's simple genetics.

Who said I eat only healthy food like nuts and fruit? I eat red meat and starches too. I just choose to eat organic, I don't like the poisons farmers put into the meat and veggies.

I'm fat because I eat more calories than I spend, I never tried to say I didnt'. I also don't live in a lie where I say I eat little, where in reality I have a something small to eat all the time. I eat approximately 2000-2500 calories per day, including everything I put into my mouth from juice to oliveoil I use for cooking (I've counted my calories for a few weeks out of curiosity).

I just sit on my ass 18 hours a day as I said, doesn't consume many calories (unless you count the stress-caused calories spent when trying to explain my lifestyle to people on messageboards who are not willing to accept anything but their own view on life as fact). I don't have food on my table as I work, I don't eat chips or candybars. I always have a pint of water on my desk though.

I spend probably under 2000 calories per day on a regular day, the extra calories on top of that add up quickly. An lbs of fat is only 3500 calories. Even if I weight like 260lbs or whatever, I don't spend that many calories these dumb-ass online 'calorie calculators' say. They say a guy who does NOTHING and is of my height and weight spends 3500calories per day, I call bullshit on that.

I've worked as a webmaster for a good 10 years, add 1lbs per month of extra weight on 'normal diet' and it adds up. Also, I don't ALWAYS eat healthy.. Family occasions, such as christmas etc I probably consume like 5000 calories per day for a few days. :)


Now, that's enough explaining. I just figured I'd tell all my innermost secrets here before I get back to work.

http://www.imagepup.com/up/54aI_1176...jacksonei0.jpg

Genes? Yes, I agree, there needs to be more bleach in the gene pool.