Although some of us carry a 'fat gene', it's not to blame if the scales aren't moving. (Image: iStock)
We now know that some people have a genetic predisposition to being heavier – but when it comes to sweating off the kilos, it turns out that everybody's on the same level.
New research from Newcastle University has discovered that despite some people carrying "the obesity gene", their ability to lose weight with diet and exercise is just the same as everyone else.
The role the obesity gene – otherwise known as the FTO gene – plays in how much body fat you carry is controversial.
Previous studies have shown that people who carry one or two copies of the gene are likely to be up to 3 kilograms heavier than those who don't. It may seem like a marginal amount, but in population studies with thousands and thousands of participants, these small kilos can add up.
Professor John Mathers, who led the study, believes that this new finding conclusively proves what we've long known to be true: you really can’t beat healthy eating and exercise when it comes to weight loss.
"Our study shows that improving your diet and being more physically active will help you lose weight, regardless of your genetic makeup."
To reach this conclusion, the researchers performed a meta-analysis of 9,563 adults who were enrolled in a variety of weight loss trials around the world. Each of the adults had been tested to see if they did – or didn't – carry the FTO gene that pre-disposed them to a higher risk of obesity.
What the researchers found was that the old one-two punch of diet and exercise worked for everybody, no matter what their genetic profile was.
For Professor Mathers, it may sound like a 'duh' moment, but the finding could have dramatic effects on what doctors prescribe to overweight patients.
"This is important news for people trying to lose weight as it means that diet, physical activity or drug-based weight loss plans will work just as well in those who carry the risk version of FTO," said Mathers.
"For public health professionals, it means that the adverse effects of the FTO genotype on weight gain are not an impediment to weight loss interventions."
Here in Australia, it’s estimated that almost two in three people over the age of 18-years-old are overweight. This equates to more than 60 percent of the population carrying more weight than they should, down to a complex variety of environmental and societal factors.
Obesity (and the bodily risks associated with it) is currently the second leading cause of chronic disease in the country, just ahead of smoking.
As you read this, think about your back. Is it tight? Sore? Chances are good the answer is yes: about 4 million Australians are afflicted by some degree of back pain.
According to Sydney physiotherapist Tim Dettmann, common back pain culprits include spending too much time wedged into awkward postures, weak muscles, and a lack of movement. (If you're an office worker bound to a chair all day, chances are you meet all three criteria.)
There are some common cues to improve posture — imagine being pulled up by a piece of string attached to the top of the skull, or pretend you have lasers shooting from your nipples that you're aiming at the head of the person you're talking to (hey, it works).
Appearing on Today Extra, Dettmann offered another: place a hand on your chest and the other on your stomach, and try to breathe without moving the lower hand.
There are some simple fixes for back pain — in this segment, Dettman demonstrates some simple exercises to build up back strength under the guidance of a professional.
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I have always loved drawing and exploring nature. My earliest subject matter was my dog and the flowers in my backyard. The beauty of the physical world in all its diversity inspires me, whether it is the texture of a feather, the richness and harmony of the color of a flower petal or the rhythm of a waving branch in the wind.
My goal is to blend realism, imagination, emotion, and design to communicate a personal vision that touches the universal.
I was born in New Jersey and attended Montclair State College where I majored in fine art. After school, I worked in a variety of mediums including acrylics, oils, glass mosaics, copper relief and pen and ink.
When I lived in San Francisco, I earned my BFA in Illustration. A wildlife painting class introduced me to the work of Robert Bateman. For the last 30 + years I have been inspired to create oil paintings that celebrate the nature of Northern California and other natural environments.
I now live in the small town of Cazadero, which is part of the Russian River area and take my inspiration from the majestic coast redwoods. It is here that I find my daily life made more human through interaction with the plants and creatures of this place. And here that I derive the most joy from the art that comes from this connection.﻿
The equipment finally arrived yesterday. After 3 days of dismantling and a flat bed truck ride…it is now finally sitting in our building. We’ll be cleaning up the building (big time!- it’s really dirty) and starting to piece it all back together.