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Science/nature/environment

Is obesity genetic or environmental?

(27 Posts)
Nanadogsbody Thu 11-Oct-12 07:58:45

The 'civilised' world is getter fatter. is this because we have instant access to cheap, calorie-laden food or are some individuals genetically programmed to need to eat more?
Timothy Frayling, Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Exeter thinks that genetic factors are the main driver for obesity in today's environment.
But John Wilding, Professor of Medicine at the University of Liverpool believes that changes in our environment are responsible for increasing obesity.
Could they both be correct? hmm

Nanadogsbody Sat 13-Oct-12 08:58:52

The carb debate is a very interesting one. MrDogs was warned by his GO that his blood sugar reading indicated he was borderline diabetic. His mother has type 2 diabetes and he loves his carbs ( as does the MiL), he can't think beyond toast and sandwiches if left to feed himself. This diagnosis frightened him so he agreed to my putting him on a low carb diet. No bread, pasta, rice, sugars etc. After 12 weeks he'd lost 20lbs and his blood sugar reading were slap bang in the middle of the normal range.
Incidentally I always understood that it wasn't a lack of insulin in type 2 diabetes but insulin resistance?