A recent study in London led by Jane Wardle, director of Cancer Rsearch UK’s Health Behavior Centre, revealed evidence that genetics play a much larger role in determining the weight of an individual than diet and lifestyle than previously thought. Researchers studied over 5,000 pairs of identical twins, comparing their measurements with non-identical twins. Their results showed 77 percent of the waist circumference and mass index (body mass index is figured by dividing the weight of the child by the square of his height) was caused by genetics. The environment was held accountable for the other 23 percent.
They continue to disclaim that children with ‘susceptibility genes’ are guaranteed to become obese, but only that “their genetic endowment gives them a stronger predisposition.”
The article was brief and unspecific, stating more facts about previous studies on obesity than stating new found information from their own. It was disappointing that an explanation of how the study was performed was not included in the article. It left readers very ill-informed.
Personally, I think environment plays a much larger role than claimed above. Consider the idea of “role model.” A mother that is obese is not a good role model to a child who is also struggling with weight problems. Perhaps she doesn’t try to fix her own problem, let alone her child’s, keeping junk food in the house, going out to eat instead of preparing a homemade dinner. A child holds his parents in high esteem, looking to them for advice on life. Usually the child will imitate those he admires. If a parent becomes plump, what would make the child question whether that‘s wrong or right? The child might think, “Gee, I love my dad. I want to be just like him when I grow up!” Hence, the weight problem grows.
Also, at the end of the article, the researches state that parents should be help less responsible for their child’s obesity because genetics, not environment, is the primary cause responsible. I find this quite funny - where do genetics come from? The parent! If a parent lets himself grow fat and then chooses to have a child…Who’s fault is it that obese genes were passed down? So fine, blame genetics, but remember where genes originate.
If a parent is born with a healthy weight, and then becomes obese, his genes do not "become obese," so his child would not have obesity problems.
Other than that, I agree with you. I think that in general, our environment has a far greater effect on our minds and bodies than our genes. In the case of obesity, I blame the typical culprits of unbalanced diets, partially fueled by our obsession with fast food and junk food. Kids need to learn to eat well, and they need to learn it from their parents. Children who are overweight should blame their parents, not for "obesity genes," but for flat out bad parenting.
By the way, I do believe that some people have real, genetic obesity problems. These people are a tiny minority, though, and those who are obese should be careful not to jump on this excuse to make themselves feel better about being obese.