(Pant et al. 2021)

Obesity is NOT only genetics

I have set an essay question for my students with the title: “It’s in my genes! Or is it? – Genetics vs epigenetics in obesity”

It was very interesting reading their take on this, and also seeing the biases come through.

I do love checking out references my students used for their essays too, and this picture is taken out of last year’s publication. It illustrates very nicely, the factors involved in obesity pandemic.

It has been predicted that by 2030, almost 50% of worldwide population will be obese (kind of reminds me of Wall-E)

This is concerning due to the correlations of obesity with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, liver damage and more.

Genetics does play a role in obesity, however, it contributes to only 5-10% of occurrences.

Epigenetics are the changes to our gene expression due to environmental pressures. It can also be passed to younger generations, from mother to baby inside the uterus, and it’s shown to be passed down for generations (it could be your great grandmother’s traumatic lifestyle!)

Good news is: you CAN influence your epigenetics, change it and create a better future for generations to come

How?

By eating well, reducing stress, living a wholesome life, and making sure you treat your body well. Because it’s not about you. It’s about the lives of generations to come after you.

Be B.A.D.

Balanced. Authentic. Deserving.

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