Lifestyle Influences Body Mass Index, Not Genes

Genetics seems to be a casual scapegoat for poor health and illnesses. It is a generally recognized truth that hereditary factors influence one’s chance of developing heart disease, cancer, stroke, or obesity. However, a recent study published in the Public Library of Science Genetics begs to differ. The 2017 study investigated the influence of genetics and lifestyle on individuals’ body mass index (BMI) [1]. BMI is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight that applied to adult men and women, and people can have BMI score that is either underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese [2]. If you would like to see your BMI score, see reference [2].

In the study, researchers used more than 362,000 middle-aged British people and noted that particular lifestyle actions and environmental factors have more influence on one’s health than their genetics when it comes to an individual’s risk for obesity. They discovered that genes do not control everything; in other words, people, to a considerable degree, endure the health consequences that go accompany with their lifestyle.

Several lifestyle choices directly increased one’s chance of obesity.

For example, if someone had a genetic marker indicating that they have a higher risk of obesity, they had a much greater chance of becoming obese if they chose not to exercise frequently.

Alcohol was another factor; one’s genetic risk for obesity became much more significant when they drank alcohol frequently, e.g., drinking every day.

One’s socioeconomic status also played a controlling role; someone’s genetic obesity rate had a smaller influence the further up they were on the socioeconomic scale.

The researchers succinctly expressed their findings in their conclusion: “Our analyses indicate that many lifestyle factors modify the genetic effects on BMI with some groups of individuals having more than double the effect of the genetic score” [1].

In fact, the authors stated their analysis “clearly” showed a strong correlation and influence between one’s chance of becoming obese and their chosen lifestyle, regardless of genetic control. The authors affirmed various lifestyle choices ultimately influence the effect of genetics on BMI score, and some people’s lifestyle choices have double the weight on their BMI than their genetics.

Although someone may be facing an upward battle fighting obesity because of their genetics, their lifestyle choices play the ultimate function, as depicted in Table 1. One’s lifestyle choices will moderate the influence their genetics has on their BMI measurement, by either diminishing the effect or magnifying it.

Table 1 Lifestyle Model

With this new information, it is no longer necessary to use your family’s medical history to lament over your increased risk of becoming obese and is it impractical to use that information as an ensure for living unhealthily.

Based on the report, merely walking 30 minutes a day, avoiding excessive sedentary behaviors, e.g., watching TV for extended periods, maintain a healthy weight, avoid tobacco products, and eat a clean, healthy diet rich in all the food groups, including organic fruits, vegetables, and high-quality proteins.

Also, taking adequate amounts of high-quality supplements is extremely useful and practical for facilitating and promoting a healthy body and life.

Healthmasters’ Basic Healthy Lifestyle Kit offers a diverse range of supplements and nutrients that are nutraceutical grade. Here is a breakdown of the products in the kit:

- Healthmasters’ Ultimate Multiple w/o Iron: An easily absorbed, biologically assimilated, multiple supplement that contains 26 different nutrients.

- Healthmasters’ B Complex: A high-grade, methylated B Complex, backed by peer-reviewed, scientific studies that helps support mental health, reduced stress, and cellular energy production.

- Healthmasters’ Vitamin C: A high-potency vitamin C supplement as calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate, and potassium ascorbate, with black pepper extract to ensure bioavailability.

- Norwegian Omega 3: A five-star certified fish oil by the International Fish Oil Standards to ensure the highest level of purity, stability, and potency to promote cardiovascular, joint, brain, and nervous system health.

- Healthmasters’ Ultimate D3-10,000 with K2: A high-potency D3 supplement that features the most bioactive form of D3 (cholecalciferol) with vitamin K2 to ensure absorption. Research has shown 42% of Americans are vitamin D deficient, which can result in numerous symptoms.

The five supplements in Healthmasters’ Basic Healthy Lifestyle Kit cover a wide range of health aspects and can easily be complemented with additional supplements.

If you have any questions about Healthmasters’ Basic Healthy Lifestyle, please feel free to call our office at 800.726.1834

References:

[1] https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1006977

[2] https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm