The key to shedding pounds may lie in a mix of 14 ‘slimming genes’, according to a recent study. Researchers have found that individuals who carried these genes lost twice as much weight when they engaged in 30 minutes of running three times per week. The study, conducted by a team at the University of Essex, revealed that participants with a higher presence of these genes experienced the most significant weight loss over an eight-week period.
The key to shedding pounds may lie in a mix of 14 ‘slimming genes’, according to a recent study.
Researchers from the University of Essex discovered that these genes facilitated individuals in losing double the weight when they performed 30 minutes of running three times a week.
Led by Dr. Henry Chung from the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, the team found that participants with a greater number of these genes lost the most weight during the eight-week study.
Those with a higher count of these genetic markers lost as much as 5kg, whereas those without such markers had an average weight loss of 2kg.
The study identified the PARGC1A gene, which encodes PGC-1-a, as crucial to weight loss, as this gene was found in participants who lost the most weight.
The research indicated that 62% of the weight lost could be attributed to the gene, while 37% was related to exercise and lifestyle choices.
Despite these findings, Dr. Chung emphasized that lifestyle and dietary factors remain essential components for effective weight loss.
Dr. Chung stated: “This research has highlighted significant genes that can help reduce inches, but it’s crucial to recognize that these genes need to be coupled with exercise and lifestyle changes; they are all interconnected.
“Without active changes, these genes won’t reveal their full potential, making it irrelevant which genes you possess!
“Besides weight loss, engaging in exercise offers numerous advantages—ranging from improved mental health to better cardiovascular fitness—so I recommend everyone to continue exercising even if they aren’t observing immediate changes on the scale.”
The study assessed 38 participants aged between 20 and 40.
They were asked to maintain their usual diets and lifestyle habits without incorporating other training and were weighed at the start and end of the study.
The findings were published in Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, building on Dr. Chung’s earlier research that connected running performance to genetic factors.
He hopes this study will enable governments, organizations, and individuals to create more personalized health interventions.
“By gaining a clearer understanding of an individual’s genetic makeup, we can hopefully develop more effective interventions aimed at enhancing health outcomes,” Dr. Chung added.
