Gene - FTO

GENE FTO  rs1558902 and rs9939609

Food and lifestyle is the language that speaks to our genes bringing out the best and worst in our gene expression.  The right nutrients and food components can affect this gene. It is important to clarify the diet suggestions for someone with this gene is not because you are allergic to these foods in any way. For example I do have a MTHFR polymorphism and know that if I eat certain foods I feel bloated tired and grumpy and when I avoid them I feel so much better. Knowing your genetic profile gives you hints to why we feel better when we eat or act a certain way and with this knowledge it keeps us motivated to make the right decisions to benefit healthy living.

The fat mass and obesity associated gene encodes for ALPHA – KETOGLUTARATE- DEPENDENT DIOXYGENASE otherwise known as FTO protein. This is an enzyme which appears to play a role in energy expenditure, appetite regulation and cicradian rhythms.

If you have an overexpression of this gene you could be prone to obesity and type 2 diabetes and in knowing this if you eat more of a mediterrean type diet and exercise regularly you can control your weight and avoid diabetes.

As I write this I imagine that the risk allele for this would mean obesity to some people yet it has been found to suggest a pure 3kg heavier to a normal FTO person. In other words having this gene does not mean you sit back and accept you are going to be obese because that is definitely not what I am saying it means certain types of eating plans would suit your body type more.

It was also found that the person following exercise and ketogenic eating or mediterrean diet  for 2 years or more can hold your weight down.