Keep in mind that this hereditary tendency to be obese is actually of survival value. If a person tends to be obese, he or she has a more efficient metabolism, which means that they can survive on less food. In times of famine, people with this more efficient metabolism live on fewer calories and are the ones that survive. In most countries, high fat food is relatively plentiful for the majority of the population. Thus, a more efficient metabolism works as a disadvantage since it makes it easier to be obese.
Hereditary factors are an important factor contributing to obesity.
Incidentally, inheriting a tendency toward obesity does not mean that you cannot lose weight - it just means that you have to work harder at it. Michael D. Myers M.D. Inc. All rights reserved. The above information is for general purposes only, and should not be construed as definitive or binding medical advice. For comments, please click HERE .