We often talk about the complex
issues related to the development of obesity, both on an individual and
societal level. Recently, we were frustrated to read an editorial on the
importance of genetics in the development of obesity that seemed to interpret
research findings in this field far too narrowly.
In general, the three most
commonly discussed genes have been the so called- Mrap2 gene, the FTO gene and
the SIM1 gene. We are aware of many studies, using both animal and human
participants, which have shown intriguing results as to what genes may play a
role in the development of obesity.
Naturally these findings are
encouraging as they may one day lead to the development of treatments targeting
those genes, or even develop treatment that can complement current treatments.
This is unlikely to happen in the near future, as establishing research
findings is a lengthy process followed by an even longer process of treatment
trials.
There is little denying that some individuals may be more likely to
become obese due to their genetic make-up. However, not all individuals that
could become obese actually develop obesity, and not all obese individuals have
“obesity genes”. This is probably due to that fact that obesity is a result of
the interaction between an individual’s vulnerability (certain genes etc.) and
their environment (easier access to certain foods, inability to exercise due to
time constrains, obesity side effect of other treatment etc.). To say that an
individual is obese as a result of their genes is passive and implies that all
that is required is the right treatment or just accepting obesity.
This is why a wide range of
research into obesity, from understanding community interventions to looking
into adipose tissue, is warranted. Obesity has never been a simple issue, and
it is our hope that individuals struggling with obesity never assume that it is
not possible to treat obesity as a result of their genes. It is not easy to
treat obesity, but from our experience we certainly know it’s not impossible.