How can physical activity affect the risk associated with the FTO gene?

Physical activity can offset the risk associated with the FTO gene, which is known to be linked to obesity and weight gain. Individuals who carry certain variations of the FTO gene are at a greater genetic predisposition for increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity. However, engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to mitigate some of these genetic effects.

Research indicates that adopting an active lifestyle can help manage body weight and improve metabolic health, even for those who are genetically predisposed to obesity due to their FTO gene variations. This means that while the genetic factor may increase the risk of obesity, a physically active lifestyle can counteract or lessen that risk, demonstrating the importance of environmental factors such as exercise in the management of genetic predispositions.

By prioritizing physical activity, individuals can not only improve their overall health but also foster resilience against the genetic risks they may carry. This is a key concept in lifestyle medicine, where lifestyle modifications are emphasized as effective strategies to enhance health outcomes, particularly in those at heightened risk due to genetic factors.