Your Fat Might Be in Your Genes!

A new study shows that those extra pounds you keep fighting might just be genetic. Recent research in the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Amish community shows a common genetic variation that makes people more likely to gain weight. Scientists think about 30% of white people of European ancestry have the variant, including the Amish. Combined with Americans' sedentary lifestyle (and our penchant for fast-food), scientists believe this genetic factor helps to explain why so many Americans are overweight compared to other world populations.

Now here's the interesting thing. The effects of this genetic variant can be blocked by exercise. Unfortunately it takes a lot of exercise -- 3 to 4 hours a day! The Amish who live a 19th century rural lifestyle that includes a lot of walking and physical labor easily achieve that goal. It probably also explains why obesity wasn't much of an issue in earlier centuries before cars and modern appliances. People who had the fat gene were getting enough exercise to combat any ill effects.

All is not lost if you've embraced the typical modern American lifestyle. Scientists say working moderate exercise into your day at every opportunity will help override the fat gene. Take a brisk walk instead of vegging out in front of the TV. Spend an hour gardening when you come home from work. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park in the back of the parking lot when you go to the store or better yet, walk whenever you can. Save on gas and bike to work. Join a gym or sign up for an exercise class. Scientists believe the benefit from moderate exercise is cumulative, so every 10 minutes here and there during the day adds up.

Three to four hours of exercise sounds unmanageable given our busy lives. But if you count up all those 10 and 15 minute bits, you might be surprised how much exercise you're able to squeeze into a day!