About Nicholas Morphew Expertise I can answer simple genetics questions regarding probabilities of inheriting particular
diseases and anything that is a little trivial I can search the answers for. Please do not ask me
sensitive questions that you may not like an answer to - please consult your personal
geneticist or general practitioner.
Experience No practical experience
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Biomedical Science (University of Newcastle)
Expert: Nicholas Morphew Date: 12/19/2007 Subject: Genetic body type?
Question Hi Nicholas
I am 48,in very good health,no issues except for sleep apnea for which I am on a CPAP and the usual heartburn,bits of arthritis,etc., that goes with my age.
I have always struggled with my weight however,especially my midsection.I was a skinny kid but once I became an adult I had to really watch my calorie intake.
It has beem a constant struggle to not become obese but stay 'plump'. I am currently 5'8" and 230 lbs.
I eat 1500 calories a day average,all lean protien and fibre,low glycemic.I drink lightly.
I also jog 30 minutes every morning.
I used to think I was still doing something wrong and if only I could find the right supplement or exercise I could be normal.
Just recently I have met a couple guys just like me.Same age (roughly) same lifestyle,weight,inability to lose weight.
This has got me thinking that possibly we share a common gene?
Sorry for the long winded question but is it possible that some guys/gals are geneticaly programmed to be heavy no matter how little they eat or exercise?
On the flip side,we have all heard of the scrawny guy that eats like a horse and sits around all day but cant gain weight or muscle (boo hoo).
Thanks for your perspective regarding genetics.
Answer Hi Barry,
I appreciate your time in asking my opinion in regards to your situation. I think we are in a similar situation - however I am the guy that pretty much can eat anything and not have to worry about my weight, but I am finding as I age I am beginning to move into your category.
In regards to the genetics behind your problem, I suggest to you that this is one of the most common answers people seek in terms of identifying genetic problems. Being overweight still after doing just about everything in your power to lose weight can most definitely have a genetic influence. Being overweight does not strictly mean you are unhealthy. All of the BM indexes and methods of identifying problems with society are based on averages and do not necessarily mean you are in a huge crisis. If your calorie intake includes a balance of plenty of fruit and vegetables for sufficient vitamins and minerals, balanced white meat and red meat and grains in your diet you will be internally healthy.
When we discuss genetics at this level, science still has not got a full grasp of all the genetic factors that play a role. Only recently has the human genome been mapped, however the function of the large majority of genes is unknown meaning that we cannot pinpoint exact genes that affect the weight of a person. In my belief, the best way to look at human metabolism as a whole is to look at individual cellular metabolism - if a single cell in your body has been genetically programmed (by the same DNA that is contained in each and every cell) to metabolise energy sources more slowly than normal then this can be extrapolated to every cell in the body and thus reasoning why people store excess fat for no particular reason.
I recently read a book called 'Survival of the Sickest' and the content described why some diseases are necessary for human survival - I believe excess fat is no exception. The author put forth that during the time of the plague ( the year 1347), people that had the disease hemochromatosis were more likely to survive the plague due to binding of bodily iron which the disease needed. This same process of thought can be applied to why some people may be genetically coded to store excess fat. Think of if we were subjected to extreme cold conditions - these things don't happen overnight, but to have the genetic code in the population ready for when it does, wouldn't be such a silly idea if it meant the continuation of the human race.
So, to summarise all this in one word - Yes. I think that you and your friends may share a common gene (or many many common genes) that contribute to the way you are.
If you think of yourself as a part of society that is there to help in our time of crisis, you won't beat yourself up so much (if you do, that is) for things that are mostly out of your control. I do suggest you continue with your healthy lifestyle and good eating habits.
