Summary: A recent study identifies 14 genes linked to enhanced weight loss when combined with moderate exercise, such as running for 30 minutes three times a week. Participants with the highest number of these “skinny genes” lost up to 5kg over eight weeks, while others lost about 2kg.
One gene, PARGC1A, emerged as particularly influential, accounting for 62% of weight lost in participants, with the rest attributed to exercise and lifestyle factors. The study emphasizes that while genetics play a role, lifestyle changes are essential for optimal results.
The findings could pave the way for personalized health and fitness interventions based on genetic profiles. This research supports the need for a balanced approach, combining genetics with exercise and diet for best outcomes.
Key Facts
- Participants with more “skinny genes” lost up to 5kg over eight weeks.
- PARGC1A gene alone influenced 62% of weight loss in those with it.
- Exercise and lifestyle still accounted for 37% of total weight loss.
Source: University of Essex
The secret to losing weight could all be down to a combination of 14 ‘skinny genes’, a new study has found.
University of Essex researchers discovered they helped people drop twice as much weight when they ran for half an hour three times a week.
The team – led by Dr Henry Chung, from the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences – found those with more of the genes slimmed the most across eight weeks.
People with the most markers lost up to 5kg during the study and people without them dropped an average of 2kg.
The study found the PARGC1A gene that encodes PGC-1-a was key to weight loss and present in the participants who lost the most weight.
With the research showing that 62 per cent of the dropped kilograms were linked to the gene and 37 per cent linked to exercise and lifestyle factors.
Despite the results, Dr Chung said lifestyle factors and diet are still vital for slimming down.
Dr Chung said: “This study highlighted some important genes associated with taking inches off the jeans, but it’s important to remember that the genes will do nothing without exercise and lifestyle changes as they are all interlinked.
“Without intervention, they won’t show their true potential and then it doesn’t matter what genes you have!
“Away from weight loss exercise has so many benefits – ranging from mental health to cardiovascular fitness – so I’d advise everyone to keep on training even if they aren’t seeing the difference on the scales.”
The study followed 38 people all aged between 20 and 40 years old.
They were instructed to follow their normal diets and lifestyle habits, not do any other training, and were weighed before and after the study.
The paper, published in Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, builds on Dr Chung’s previous study which showed running performance was also linked to genetics.
He hopes the research will allow governments, companies, and individuals to better tailor health interventions.
“If we can better understand someone’s specific genetic profile, hopefully, this will translate to better and more successful interventions for improving health outcomes” added Dr Chung.
About this genetics research news
Author: Ben Hall
Source: University of Essex
Contact: Ben Hall – University of Essex
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Genotypic Variations Associated with Changes in Body Mass in Response to Endurance Training” by Henry Chung et al. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
Abstract
Genotypic Variations Associated with Changes in Body Mass in Response to Endurance Training
This study investigates the extent to which different genotypes can explain changes in body mass following an 8-week running program, in a UK population.
Participants were randomly assigned to either a training (n = 17) or control group (n = 21). Participants’ diets were not altered, only the exercise regime was manipulated to isolate effects.
The exercise group completed a periodized running program consisting of 20–30 min, over an agreed route, three times per-week, whilst the control groups refrained from daily exercise. Participants were screened at the end of the study for 1,000 gene variants using a DNA test kit.
Results demonstrated a significant reduction in body mass, within the exercise, compared to the control group (p = .002). This reduction in body mass varied significantly (p = .024) between individuals within the exercise group.
Moreover, genetic analysis identified 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with this variation (r2 = .74; p < .001).
These findings indicate that individuals with specific alleles are better predisposed to weight-management, compared to their counterparts, following an exercise program.
This study helps to bridge the gap between population health and exercise science and can inform research in the application of genetics to help develop individually tailored health interventions.
