The FTO Gene

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Wurtman’s paper (2011) “can genes really make you fat?” describes the discovery of the FTO gene, which is supposed to be the causative agent of obesity among people. The article goes on to say that those with the gene, which only adds 1kg to your overall weight, are 23% more likely to be obese than those without. Wurtman (2011) feels that if people know they have the FTO gene, then they will be more motivated to exercise and be healthier overall. Although what Wurtman’s 2011 paper is suggesting may be true in some cases, overall calculating ones Body Mass Index (BMI) is a better determinant of obesity of a subject. I feel that BMI is a better course of action to determine if someone is obese or not. For a gene that only adds 1kg (2.2lbs) …show more content…
In the article by Wurtman (2011) she suggests that we are not as active as our ancestors were, “so the fat gene has a better chance of exerting its effects on our size”. As far as I am concerned, yes we are certainly less active in today’s society, with the innovation of new technologies that which allow for many jobs to become easier, but more importantly society has become more lethargic and lazy. With this new technology that has been coming out for the last 20 years, it is no wonder children are more sedentary the before children would rather sit inside and play video games than, go to the park and play soccer. I feel that the discovery of this “fat gene” however, does not mean that the increasing obesity rate is due to the extra 1kg that this FTO gene puts on (Wurtman 2011). The article describes how people eat “comfort foods”, which are foods high in carbohydrates, when they become anxious and stressed making it seem like this is the only option to fighting these problems. Exercise can be a good healthier alternative to fighting stress/anxiety, as well as control ones weight and lower their chances of obesity. Portion control is also mentioned and I have to agree with Wurtman that it is necessary to control this. If someone wishes to maintain a healthy lifestyle, then the amount of carbohydrates that go into the body must equal those that leave, through exercise. A study by Bar-Or (2000) described how it was not just the sedentary lifestyle in adolescence that is making them obese, but it is also the snacking during this time and the portions not being controlled in relation to the amount of physical activity they are receiving. This tells us that there is a correlation between our portion control on foods such as comfort foods as well as physical activity. These are all situations which can be controlled and easily avoidable for
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