Obesity is often genetic, but a new study shows that maintaining an active lifestyle and getting regular exercise can trump DNA in the battle of the bulge. Read the full story

Obesity caused by genetic factors can be overcome, according to a new study, which indicates physical activity during adolescence is the key. Read the full story

Childhood obesity could be attributed to genetics, according to a new study. Although researchers found that overeating and a lack of exercise were definite factors, they also believe in some cases, the tendency to overeat may be a result of a missing chromosome. Read the full story

In our WLS News report for April 3, 2009, find out about a gene that is turning carbs into fat; discover how prenatal exposure to the insecticide DDT may play a role in the obesity epidemic; and learn why Boston authorities are expressing concern about the weight of EMS recruits.

Plus, we’ll tell you what researchers have discovered about the health risks of even moderate obesity after reviewing data on nearly a million people, and explain how experiments on drugs for Parkinson’s disease may lead to the development of a medication to treat obesity. And our Internet gal-on-the-go, Yvonne McCarthy, will highlight a brand new social networking site specifically for weight loss surgery patients. Click the player below to see this week’s newscast!

Organizations mentioned in this week’s news:

• University of California Berkeley
• Roger H.F. Wong (graduate student – UC Berkeley)
• Michigan State University
• Occupational and Environmental Medicine (medical journal)
• Dr. Janet Osuch, Professor of Surgery and Epidemiology, MSU College of Human Medicine
• Boston University School of Medicine
• Boston Medical Center
• Harvard Medical School
• Cambridge Health Alliance
• NAWLS – National Association for Weight Loss Surgery
• Bariatric Girl (Yvonne McCarthy’s WLS support site)
• University of Florida McKnight Brain Institute
• Ron Mandel, Assoc. Professor of Neuroscience, Univ. of Florida
• Bariatric Advantage (nutritional supplements)

Tune into the March 27, 2009, edition of WLS News, to learn how excess abdominal fat can affect fertility in women, and how new scientific developments may lead to a magic bullet to treat obesity. We’ll also explore the harm that obesity can cause children as young as three years old, as well as how excess weight and related co-morbidities can speed the onset of dementia.

Plus we’ll find out whether an innovative gene therapy might provide a new treatment option for adults who struggle with their weight. And reporter Yvonne McCarthy, host of WLS Journeys, will highlight a wonderful website devoted to helping women practice better self-care. Click the player below to see this week’s newscast!

Organizations mentioned in this week’s news:

• The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Dr. Doreen Moser, D.O., F.A.C.O.G. (Fertility Specialist)
• Centers for Disease Control
• The Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami
• Sarah E. Messiah, Ph.D.
• The University of California at Berkeley Nutritional Science & Toxicology Laboratory
• First Ourselves (self-care for women)
• Bariatric Girl (Yvonne McCarthy’s WLS support site)
• University of California-San Francisco Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease
• Ohio State University Medical Center
• FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research
• Bariatric Advantage (nutritional supplements)

DNA Forecasts Future Obesity

Researchers from Imperial College London, the French National Research Institute CNRS, and other medical institutions compiled the results of a decade-long European obesity study, which indicates that it may be possible to identify kids prone to obesity by looking at their DNA. This would allow parents and doctors to provide preventative treatment for children who show a high probability of becoming obese later in life.

The report identified three genetic variations in children that seem to be linked to weight problems. Researchers believe the first variant may be responsible for up to a THIRD of all childhood obesity, and the second may influence appetite. The THIRD variant controls the production of the hormones and certain amino acids that strongly affect the metabolism and a person’s ability to feel “full” after eating. Scientists believe this variant may account for 6 percent of early-onset obesity in children, and 16 percent of adult morbid obesity.

But, it’s still a little early to rush the kiddos to the lab for DNA testing. The researchers of the study point out that whatever impact DNA may have on your kids’ weight, it’s no excuse for allowing them to lead an unhealthy lifestyle. Feeding your kids an 800-calorie drive through mega-jiggly-meal four times a week is bad for them no matter what their genes say.