Research highlights the crucial role played by social and environmental factors in obesity.
Last update on February 20th 2025
The interaction of a gene-environment (GXE) refers to the dynamic relationship between a person’s genetic makeup and the natural and social environment. This interaction factors in what determines how a person’s genes are expressed, affecting characteristics, diseases and overall genetic expression. (1;
Recently, nutrition coach and health writer Thomas Delauer depicted the concept of GXE by examining cases of obesity in twins created in different environments.
“The separated twins – two people with the same DNA – were placed in two completely separate environments. How do they fit against obesity? Does anyone become obese and the other not exclusively because of their environment?”
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Research of twin obesity
A New England Medicine newspaper study Twins were examined with genetic mutations associated with obesity. The findings reveal that, regardless of environmental factors, these people were predisposed to gain weight and become obese. This genetic influence represented 69% of cases in women and 74% in men. (2) Treatment of obesity genes has significant challenges, making it difficult to avoid obesity even in favorable environments.
However, if the identical twins are placed in an environment that promotes unhealthy consumption and encourages obesity, the chances of becoming obese could approach almost 100%.
In the treatment of individual ability, the effect of hereditary obesity genes cannot be overlooked. A study published in Borders in endocrinology He points out that the presence of these genes gives a child a chance of a gene mutation associated with obesity. (3;
Whether children inherit these genes or not, they are very likely to grow up in an environment full of unhealthy, processed foods. This can cause epigenetic changes and environmental factors that significantly increase the risk of obesity.
Interaction of gene-enclosure
The human genome progresses slowly. “100 years ago, we were quite lean as a society,” Delauer suggested.
Today, American society is facing increasing rates of obesity, with many people classified as overweight. Almost 43% of Americans are classified as obese. It is unlikely that genetic makeup has changed significantly in 100 years, as DNA is evolving over a much longer period. According to Delauer, it is not the change of our DNA. It’s our environment. The genetic predispositions for obesity probably existed a century ago, but the environmental scandals were much less widespread to trigger them.
“We had no food readily available. We have a opposite problem today,” Delauer explained. “100 years ago, it was harder to get food. Today, food is everywhere. We have a touch of touch, not a crisis that needs food.”
Someone who carries the obesity gene mounted on controlled metabolic chamber with limited calorie intake will not become obese. However, in an unlimited environment where they can eat freely, the probability of obesity increases significantly.
Control environment
According to Delauer, small, incompatible actions often make the most meaning. Although these hacks may seem insignificant, they can face collectively more important challenges. Some of the ways to control the environment to help prevent obesity include:
- Avoid access to unhealthy foods where you live.
- Intermittent fasting involves the determination of specific nutrition and fasting periods. Establishing the boundaries of when and what to eat is effective for people with obesity of genetics.
- Move more everyday. While a sedentary lifestyle can undo the benefits of exercise, integrating regular activity throughout the day can help maintain metabolic health.
- Consider compression of windows to regulate calories and metabolism.
The environment and lifestyle significantly affect body composition and mood. Try to live in a way that supports your overall health and prosperity.
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References
- Ottman R. (1996). General-surrounding Interact: Definitions and Study Plans. Preventive Medicine, 25 (6), 764-770.
- Stunkard, AJ, Harris, Jr, Pedersen, NL, & McClearn, GE (1990). The diverting body mass index. The New England Journal of Medicine, 322 (21), 1483-1487.
- ELKS, CE, DEN HOED, M., ZHAO, JH, SHARP, SJ, WAREHAM, NJ, LOOS, RJ, & ONG, KK (2012). Variability in the inheritance of the body mass index: Systematic review and post-pallidation. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 3, 29.
Selected picture through Shutterstock/Andrew Goodsell
