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Genes and you
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Genetics plays an important role in one's health
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NO TWO persons will respond in the same way to a given exercise. Each person has one area of the body that stubbornly refuses to melt fat when compared with other areas. Some people are the envy of others because they never seem to get fat even though they eat and drink all they want, while others balloon up at the slightest deviation from a strict diet.
The explanation for all this may lie in our genes.
The heritability of fitness-related entities is profound: heritability is around 25 per cent for body fat, 10-25 per cent for cardiovascular fitness, and up to 40 per cent for muscle fitness.
Ever wonder why beer bellies seem to run in some families? The distribution of body fat, especially truncal fat, depends to some extent on genetic factors. However, the fact that excess calories go straight to your belly, a work of art that you can trace back to nine generations, does not mean that it is futile to try to reduce it. Truncal distribution of body fat is a lot more dangerous than, say, fat on the hips.
Bad genes mean you just have to work harder than others do to maintain body weight and health. Muscular endurance and strength too depend in some measure on genetics. Africans have an advantage in running.
Short and stocky races seem do well in weight lifting events. Even in your local gym, you will find that some people build up their biceps fast but lag in building up other muscle groups.
Cardiovascular fitness, or the lack of it, can run in families. But genes play only a small role in the matter. Even though hypertension and heart disease have a genetic component, external factors like lifestyle and personal habits play a greater role in determining who gets them.
Metabolism
The metabolism we inherit determines how our bodies process fat, handle glucose and respond to stress. Again, genetics plays only a small role in determining whether we suffer from high blood cholesterol levels, diabetes and other chronic conditions. The greatest risk factors are all external, and more importantly, modifiable.
If you suspect your health problems, past, present or future, have a genetic basis, do not assume that they are unstoppable. Quite the contrary.
Knowing that you are at risk is a good thing because it lets you take remedial action early. If your parents have diabetes and hypertension, you have a high risk of getting those diseases in your middle age. You can act now to prevent that.
Exercise regularly, watch your diet, give up smoking and drink alcohol only in moderation.
Remember, genetics does not equal fate. So now you really have no excuse to do nothing about that family heirloom - your paunch.
RAJIV. M
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