What are lean genes? Does it really help you lose weight?

A recent study in 2022 showed that the number of people with obesity globally has reached one billion people, which is a frightening number, this number is not only disturbing because of the appearance of people with obesity, but also because of other diseases that result from obesity. There are 7 serious diseases caused by obesity: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, temporary sleep apnea, and inflammation of bones and joints. It doesn't end there, but it reaches mental illness, which in turn causes depression.

Lately weight loss has become an obsession for many people. There have been so many weight-loss diets and you will notice that many dieters are not obese at all, and some even weigh no more than 2-3 kilos of normal weight. This obsession is due to the fear of obesity and other chronic diseases.

But the question lies in the subject about the causes of obesity, are they the only known causes? Such as following harmful diets, not exercising regularly, or even side effects of some drugs and other diseases such as cortisone therapy, which causes a noticeable increase in weight, especially in large doses for long periods! Or do genes also play a role in being thin or obese? The lines of this article will discuss lean genes and their role in the process of weight loss.

What are lean genes?

There are genes responsible for thinness in some people, the most important of which is a gene called PPARGC1A, which is a protein that helps in metabolic processes. Metabolism is simply what happens within your body to produce and burn energy, and the larger your body, the higher levels of energy it needs to function.

Do lean genes affect weight loss?

You must have often heard that some causes of obesity are behind and this is a fact, but it was not common to talk about the fact that thinness is affected by genes as well. Do you have this friend who never gains weight no matter what he eats? Well, it's about genes, not just lifestyle.

A study was conducted on a group of individuals, some of whom are thin, others are obese, and some are of normal weight, and they were asked to eat a specific diet that helps to lose weight and not follow any other activities to lose weight. After a while, it was observed that individuals with thinness lost 5 kg of weight as a result of following the diet prepared for the study, while those with obesity lost only 2 kg of their weight in the same period and under the same diet.

The DNA analysis of all study members found that the genes responsible for being overweight were very little present in thin people, while in the sample of obese people, the genes responsible for obesity had more. Also, genes that were newly linked to the thinness factor were largely present in thin people as opposed to those with obesity.

The fact from the study was that lean genes play a role in weight loss just as other genes responsible for obesity play a role in weight gain.

We should not miss now the fact that genetics are something that cannot be controlled or controlled and you must know one or more people who were often obese despite eating low amounts of food, following harsh diets and even mixing it with exercise as well.

Are lean genes enough to maintain a slim figure?

The answer is clearly no. Lean genes help you stay significantly thin, but don't forget that without a healthy diet and exercise, your body is prone to obesity and other consequent conditions. Being obese may be harder than obese others, but that doesn't mean you're immune to being overweight. You must have noticed that some people were thin in childhood and sometimes young as well and then became obese with old age. When their diets and physical activity changed, their bodies experienced weight gain.

General weight loss tips:

In the end, we urge you not to be harsh in your judgments of yourself or individuals who are overweight despite their great efforts to lose weight. Losing weight can be an arduous and long battle as you don't have thin genes, but you're not alone, it's a battle in which many fight. We invite you to consider these tips and follow the useful ones with your eating routine and exercise such as walking daily.

1- Set yourself a realistic weekly goal for what you can lose weight and write it down in a visible place

2. Having a partner on your weight loss journey can be encouraging and enjoyable, whether it's your family, friends or work companions.

3- Include in exercise and do not exaggerate from the beginning so as not to stop, 10-15 minutes a day for a sufficient period as a start.

4- Tell your family and loved ones about your weight loss plan so that they encourage you and avoid showing temptations in front of you.

5. Follow the success stories of others fighting obesity who can inspire you on your weight loss journey

6- Finally, reward yourself when you lose weight, such as buying a skincare product or getting a massage.