In this regard the work demonstrates that modifying lifestyle can cancel the negative effect some genetic mutations have on health. "For young people, one hour of sport per day is enough to reduce the potential risk of this genetic mutation", he adds. However, the study observed that almost 60% of European adolescents do not comply with these recommendations.
The fat mass gene and the Mediterranean diet
Obesity is a disease influenced by both genetic factors and lifestyle (nutrition and physical activity). Another research project, led by Amelia Mart- from the University of Navarra, analyses the effects of the rs9939609 variant of the FTO gene on weight change, as well as its modification through consuming a Mediterranean diet.
This study, published recently by the International Journal of Obesity, was performed on 776 subjects with high cardiovascular risk, aged between 55 and 80 years old. The samples were taken from the Predimed trial and the results revealed that people with the rs9939609 mutation had a higher body weight. They also confirmed that the Mediterranean diet offers protection against the adiposity associated with this mutation.
Source: FECYT - Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology