Moment 209: The Real Reason You’re Gaining Weight (Even If You’re Exercising!)

Genetic Influences on Eating and Disease Risk

Genetic factors play a significant role in how individuals respond to food, eating habits, and their risk of obesity and related diseases. For instance, it has been observed that people from certain ethnic backgrounds, such as South Asians and East Asians, are more susceptible to type 2 diabetes at lower body mass indices compared to other groups, highlighting the interplay between genetics and cultural dietary habits. The discussion also points to specific genes, such as the leptin gene, which regulates hunger signals from the brain, and the MC4R gene, mutations of which can predispose individuals to obesity. These genetic predispositions contribute to varying degrees of difficulty for individuals in maintaining or losing weight, suggesting that biology plays a crucial role in dietary behaviors.