Is obesity hereditary?

Whether obesity is hereditary is a concern for many people. In reality, obesity is not just the result of eating habits and lifestyle but can also be related to genetic factors. Research has shown that inherited genes can affect metabolism, feelings of hunger and fullness, and how the body stores energy, making some people more prone to obesity.

Although genetics can play an important role, a healthy lifestyle is still the determining factor in controlling and preventing obesity. Therefore, maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management are effective ways to minimize this risk.

1. Is obesity a disease? Why?

Obesity is a condition where the body accumulates too much fat to the point of causing negative impacts on health. It is usually measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), a tool that helps estimate the degree of overweight or obesity based on a person’s weight and height.

• BMI from 25 to 29.9: Considered overweight. BMI of 30 or above: Considered obese.
• Is obesity a disease? Obesity is a widely recognized medical condition by many health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Medical Association (AMA). Here are the reasons why obesity is considered a disease:

Pathological characteristics Excess fat accumulation: Obesity is characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the body, leading to disorders in the structure and function of the body. Functional disorders: Obesity causes disturbances in energy regulation and metabolism mechanisms, affecting many organ systems in the body such as cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, and musculoskeletal.

Risk of leading to chronic diseases Cardiovascular disease:

• Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Type 2 diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor leading to type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance. Cancer: Some types of cancer such as breast, colon, and kidney cancer are associated with obesity. Osteoarthritis: Excess body weight puts pressure on joints, leading to osteoarthritis.
• Impact on quality of life Decreased mobility: Obesity can cause difficulties in movement, reducing the ability to participate in daily activities. Psychological issues: People with obesity often face social stigma, low self-esteem, and psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.
• Genetic and environmental factors Genetics: Obesity can have a genetic component, where genes influence how the body metabolizes and stores energy. Environment: Factors such as sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and stress also contribute to the development of obesity.
• Obesity is considered a disease because it meets the criteria of a medical condition, including body dysfunction, risk of serious complications, and negative impact on quality of life. Treating obesity needs to be approached like treating a chronic disease, including lifestyle changes, diet, and in some cases, the use of medication or surgical intervention.

2. Is obesity hereditary? Why?

Is obesity hereditary? Obesity can have a genetic component, meaning that if someone in your family is obese, your risk of being obese is also higher.

Reasons explaining why obesity may be related to genetics:

Genes affect metabolism and energy storage Obesity due to genes related to feelings of hunger and fullness: Some genes can affect how your body perceives hunger and fullness, leading to eating more or less. For example, the FTO gene has been identified as being associated with increased appetite and higher calorie intake. Genes affect metabolic rate: Genes can determine your metabolic rate, affecting how your body uses energy. People with slower metabolism may store fat more easily.

Genetics affects body fat distribution

Genetic obesity is related to body fat distribution: Genetics not only affects whether you are prone to weight gain but also affects where your body stores fat. Some people tend to store fat in the abdominal area, increasing the risk of obesity-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Environmental factors combined with genetics Interaction between genes and environment: 

Genetics is only part of the story. Environmental factors such as diet, sedentary lifestyle, and stress also play important roles. People with genes prone to obesity may not develop this condition if living in a healthy environment, but if living in an unhealthy environment, the risk of obesity will be higher. 

Family habits: 

Eating habits and lifestyle are often passed down from generation to generation. Families with habits of eating a lot and little exercise will create an environment that promotes obesity.

Studies on genetics and obesity Twin studies: Studies on twins show that genetics plays an important role in determining BMI, with 40-70% of BMI variation can be explained by genetic factors. Adoption studies: Studies on adopted individuals show that they often have weights more similar to their biological parents than their adoptive parents, demonstrating that genetic factors strongly influence obesity.

Although genetics can increase the risk of obesity, it is not the sole determining factor. Environment and lifestyle still play important roles in the development and control of obesity. People with high genetic risk can still maintain a healthy weight by following a positive lifestyle and balanced diet.

3. How to prevent obesity if there are genetic factors

f there are genetic factors that increase the risk of obesity, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking preventive measures can help the body control weight.

Some effective ways to prevent genetic obesity:

Scientific, healthy, and balanced diet

• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits: A diet rich in fiber from vegetables and fruits not only provides nutrition but also helps you feel full longer, reducing the need for snacking. 
• Limit sugar and saturated fat: Reduce consumption of foods high in sugar, saturated fat, and fast food. Instead, choose lean protein sources, healthy fats from fish, olive oil, and nuts. 
• Split meals: Eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals can help control hunger and maintain stable energy levels.

Regular exercise Regular physical activity:

•  Maintain at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Perform a combination of regular exercises with muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week. 
• Choose favorite activities: Choose activities you enjoy such as walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga to maintain long-term exercise.

Stress management Relax and reduce stress: 

• Stress can stimulate emotional eating, leading to weight gain. Get enough sleep: Sleep plays an important role in maintaining weight. 
• Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones that control hunger, leading to overeating.

Regular weight monitoring Weight control: 

• Monitor weight regularly to detect early changes and adjust lifestyle when necessary. 
• Keep a food and exercise diary: Recording what you eat and daily physical activities can help you become more aware of your habits and make necessary adjustments.

Education on nutrition and health Understand nutrition: 

• Having a good knowledge of nutrition and healthy habits will help you make better choices in your daily diet. 
• Avoid sedentary lifestyle: Limit long sitting times, such as when watching TV or working on the computer. Take advantage of every opportunity to move, such as walking during breaks or standing up after every hour of work.

Regular health check-ups Regular health check-ups: Have regular health check-ups to monitor weight-related indicators, such as BMI, waist circumference, and other overall health indicators.

Although there are genetic factors, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and regular weight monitoring are effective measures to prevent obesity. These habits not only help maintain a reasonable weight but also improve overall health. Everyone needs to actively take care of their health early to live healthily and longevity.

References: Beaumont.org, Health.harvard.edu, Healthline.com