Past studies have discovered that a certain gene can dictate the weight of a person, whether to be obese or thin. Now, a new study have shown that the evidence that environmental and lifestyle changes has a big impact on our health. Also, they have found out that these 'fat genes' can be activated in some conditions.
The gene is called FTO and about 20% of Americans have this gene. Thus, it increases their risk of obesity and gaining weight more than others. This is a well-known fact among experts and in fact, a 2007 study by British scientists have discovered that people who carry about two copies of this gene variant weighed about seven pounds more than people who does not have it.
In the present study, the scientists have studied on whether time can affect the gene's effect on the body. They utilized the Framingham Heart Study which is a big study of more than 10,000 people who fill out questionnaires and undergo medical examinations every year. Furthermore, about one three fourths of them had their DNA studied and their FTO gene version were identified.
It was revealed that people who were born in the early 1940s and before, had lower risk for having a higher body mass index or they are less likely to be overweight or obese. According to Dr. James Niels Rosenquist of the Massachusetts General Hospital, the lead researcher of the study in an interview with NBC News, "What we wanted to see was whether there was a difference for people born in the earlier part of the cohort, during the 1920s, (when compared to) to people born in the later part if the cohort, in the 1940s and 1950s."
The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. However, this study does not propose to explain what change happened after 1942 that has activated the gene. Some of their theories boiled down to the end of the World War II. After the war was over, people had more sedentary works like those in the offices and more people used cars instead of walking to work. In terms of food, fast food became popular and televisions revolutionized the way people live.
It also showed that time is an environmental factor that experts should consider if they will study about how genes can affect health. In terms of obesity, still, experts are reiterating the importance of regular exercise and proper diet to combat obesity.