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Is there a so-called fat gene that makes people easily put on weight?

Many believe so and a recent study has confirmed their suspicions.  The study revealed that “the FTO Gene” may indeed be responsible for certain people carrying additional weight.

Is it real?
So many of us understand how difficult it is to lose weight and keep it off.

After all, there’s a whole industry built around that very fact.

There’s no denying that some individuals are more likely to be overweight or obese. Some people are naturally thin, some naturally muscular and others naturally larger.

Now scientists claim they’ve found ‘the fat (FTO) gene’ that contributes to body fat levels and increases the risk of obesity.

Released by the Archives of Internal Medicine, the study found that people of European descent have a greater chance of inheriting the FTO gene.  It also discovered that almost 50% of study participants who were of European carried this gene.

But, all is not lost.

Does this gene put you at a greater risk of obesity?
It appears carrying the FTO gene does put you at greater risk of obesity, especially when combined with an unhealthy lifestyle.

However,  it can be argued that anyone with an endomorphic body type is more likely to become obese.

At first glance it makes sense that a ‘fat’ gene would contribute to obesity. After all, if your body is pre-programmed to retain body fat, then it’s likely  you’ll become overweight more easily, especially if you’re not very active or enjoy processed foods.

However, the study found that while it’s not possible to ‘turn off’ this gene, we can reduce its impact.

The Cure
Quite often, many overweight individuals are fitter and healthier than naturally thin people.

Why?

Because they work harder to lose and/or control their weight. They eat well and regularly exercise.

It appears  this may be the key to controlling the ‘fat’ gene. The study found that while it can’t be ‘killed,’  leading a healthy lifestyle deprives the gene of the fuel it needs to function effectively – ie. predispose you to put on weight.

Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to lose weight and keep it off permanently.

But following a healthy eating plan and exercising regularly is beneficial to your health, well-being and weight regardless of genetics, body type or the FTO gene.

Written by Andrew Talati

Next time before you make excuses for not looking after your body, think about how an 83 year old continues to teach yoga while having the strength and flexibility of someone half her age.
Our mind can take us anywhere but can equally be a limiting factor in pursuing our health and happiness.

No no excuses for lack of exercise, just ask Bette Calman.

So the million dollar question, do our ears get larger with age.
Ever notice grandma’s or grandpa’s ear, do they seem quite long, is it a case of gravity taking over or do they increase in size with age?

In 1990, Drs L Pelz and B Stein from Medical Branch of the University of Rostock in Germany measured the ears of 1,271 children and adolescents. They report in Padiatrie und Grenzgebiete that ear length increases “steadily and annually”, but ear width remains the same.

Dr James Heathcote, a general practitioner from Kent in the UK, along with four colleagues, studied 206 patients with the mean age of 53. Dr Heathcote concluded in the 23 December 1995 British Medical Journal, that “as we get older our ears get bigger (on average by 0.22mm a year)”.

So start measuring today and re check every 10 years:)))