Genes, lifestyles and obesity

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review the role of genes and lifestyle factors, particularly dietary habits and physical activity patterns, in obesity risk as well as their potential interactions. DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS: A descriptive report of a number of genes definitely ascribed or potentially implicated in excessive fat accumulation leading to obesity as assessed by different research approaches (Mendelian transmission, genetic animal models, epidemiological association/linkage studies and genome-wide scans). Also, the involvement of macronutrient intake and composition (fat/carbohydrate) as well as the role of activity-linked energy expenditure in obesity onset is reviewed. RESULTS: Examples of the role of the genotype as well as of the dietary macronutrient composition/intake and sedentary/low energy cost of physical activities in obesity prevalence are reported. CONCLUSIONS: Both genes and everyday life environmental factors such as cultural and social mediated food intake and reduced domestic and living work activities are involved in the obesity pandemia. The occurrence of gene  gene and gene  environmental factors interactions makes it more difficult to interpret the specific roles of genetics and lifestyle in obesity risk.

Energy-restricted diets based on a distinct food selection affecting the glycemic index induce different weight loss and oxidative response

“…Although genetics plays a role in weight gain, it cannot independently explain the dramatic rise in obesity rates over the past several decades, which is mainly attributed to changes in dietary and physical activity patterns (2). In addition to obesity prevention strategies concerning physical activity promotion and nutritional advice, various pharmacological and surgical treatments have been proposed to treat the obese, but diet is still the basic therapeutic tool against obesity (3).…”

Factors associated with adolescents' overweight and obesity at community, school and household levels in Xi'an City, China: results of hierarchical analysis

“…Programs to prevent overweight and obesity in children and adolescents may start by identifying factors associated with overweight and obesity in a population to ensure targeted and efficient strategies. Studies have identified predictors of overweight and obesity, including heredity (Marti et al, 2004), lifestyle (Hernandez et al, 1999;Robertson et al, 1999;Hanley et al, 2000) and environmental factors (Ma, 2002). However, the results of these studies are limited primarily to a series of simple or bivariate relationships.…”

Differences in short-term metabolic responses to a lipid load in lean (resistant) vs obese (susceptible) young male subjects with habitual high-fat consumption

“…However, there are large interindividual differences in this compensatory response to increased fat intake. Indeed, the stability of body weight and its associated regulatory processes are influenced by compensatory genetics-dependent metabolic and neuroendocrine mechanisms (Marti et al, 2004). …”