Which genes are responsible for regulating this predisposition?

The answer is yes. Multiple studies have shown that on overweight and chronic fat accumulation are genetically regulated. (at least 40 % to 70 % of overweight is genetically based). Thanks to this, we can understand why there are people who eat a lot and put on very little weight, and others who eat very little and put on a lot.

Nowadays there are many factors that encourage people to eat and neglect their diet: lack of time to do sport, junk food, poor diet, etc. All these factors are particularly important for people whose genes predispose them to being overweight or obese. For this reason, It is important to know what our genetic needs are and how our genes react when we eat certain foods..

There are several genes responsible for this regulation and if any of the variants involved are present in our DNA, our risk of becoming obese increases dramatically. For example, the INSIG2 gene is estimated to occur in 10% of the population and is the first common genetic variant predisposing to obesity. In case of having one of its variants, it would imply an increased risk of obesity as well as a significant increase in the body mass index.

Another important gene is the famous FTO gene, the main obesity-related gene. One of its variants has been shown to be responsible for the fact that some people have increased tendency to eat high-calorie foods and a 30% higher percentage of developing obesity than people who do not have this variant. This would require us to follow an appropriate exercise programme to counteract this percentage. It is important to understand that because we have the variant of this gene we will not automatically become overweight, but we must be clear that our chances are higher than other people.We are more likely to succumb to the temptations that are put in front of us.

At Biosalud, we have developed a complete Genetic Test designed to detect these genetic variants. associated with obesity and overweight. The ObesityGen® Test will allow us to know whether we are carriers of these genetic variants, in which case we will be able to face day-to-day life with the necessary precautions, avoiding the so-called "miracle diets" and focusing on a dietary treatment in accordance with our genetic profile.