Yes, the DNA you inherited from your parents—and that’s been passed down for generations in your family—could play some role in determining whether you’re obese. Researchers say that the same constellation of genes that helped prehistoric people survive famines may work against us today, by programming our bodies to store fat during times of plenty. This “thrifty genotype” isn’t aligned with life in the 21st century though, where high-calorie foods are always available and our lifestyles are increasingly sedentary. But ultimately, genes don’t make you overweight: eating more calories than your body needs is the only real cause. And you can’t blame that afternoon candy bar on your genes.

• Genome scans have uncovered 253 groups of genes related to obesity. One, the FTO or “fat mass and obesity-associated gene” may explain 22% of obesity.
• Researchers suspect that in the presence of high-fat food, the FTO gene switches off feelings of satisfaction and fullness—so you keep on eating.
• People with the FTO gene who ate high-fat diets were most likely to gain weight in one study, but lower-fat diets didn’t raise risk.
• DNA isn’t destiny. In one study of people with 12 different sets of suspected obesity genes, regular exercise can cut risk for overweight by 40%.
• Steer clear of direct-to-consumer gene tests for obesity risk or to determine your best “diet type”. Some make claims that aren’t yet scientifically proven.

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