by Shamrutha Shree Ganesh
Credits: Ollyy/Shutterstock.com
“Tell me what you eat, and I’ll tell you what you are” are the famous words spoken by French lawyer, Brillat-Savarin. [1] [These words were part of a philosophy that prevailed in civilisation for centuries – the food consumed has an influence on one’s health.
In many ways this rings true, as diet is a risk factor for many conditions. According to the CDC, constant increased glucose intake is a known cause of type 2 diabetes due to the body being desensitized to insulin. [2] An unhealthy diet is even a risk factor for heart disease, the biggest cause of death in the US in 2019.
While it may be true that nutritious eating is the key to being “fit”, people still struggle with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regardless of the endless messages of the importance of a “balanced diet”, the obesity rates in the UK are rising. [3] However according to Dr Giles Yeo, this may not be a choice as “the inheritability of weight is similar to that of height.” [4]
A common example is found in the MC4R gene, this gene plays an important role in appetite regulation and weight control. Mutations in this gene have a significant impact on weight gain or loss by extension. [5] Furthermore, studies have shown that 60% of the subjects’ body-fat distribution can be attributed to genetics. [6] This is significant as fatty deposits around the organs (visceral fat) are much more dangerous than subcutaneous fat as it triggers inflammation which can damage the arteries. [7] The cocktail of mutations within you are in the words of Dr. Yeo “a[hand of poker”, depending on the cards you get; keeping a balanced diet may be an uphill climb for some. [8]
So is diet the sole determiner of health? Clearly there are other factors that come into play of equal importance. Genetics is a risk factor for many conditions, even obesity, which is why holistic treatment for chronic conditions is necessary and often absent, especially in regards to conditions such as obesity which are often overlooked as being caused by diet alone.
Citations
[1] Martin, G. (no date) ‘you are what you eat’ - the meaning and origin of this phrase, phrases.org.uk. Available at: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/you-are-what-you-eat.html (Accessed: 11 February 2024).
[2] CDC (2022) Insulin resistance and diabetes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/insulin-resistance.html#:~:text=A%20lot%20of%20blood%20sugar,try%20to%20make%20cells%20respond (Accessed: 11 February 2024).
[3] Baker, C. (2023) 12 January 2023 obesity statistics - researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk, House of Commons Library. Available at: https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN03336/SN03336.pdf (Accessed: 11 February 2024).
[4] Earle, L. (2022) Are our genetics to blame for our weight? an interview with dr Giles Yeo, Liz Earle Wellbeing. Available at: https://lizearlewellbeing.com/healthy-living/genetics-weight/#:~:text=According%20to%20Giles%2C%20the%20’heritability,weight%20can%20be%20similarly%20linked. (Accessed: 11 February 2024).
[5] Obesity and the MC4R gene (no date) GB HealthWatch. Available at: https://www.gbhealthwatch.com/GND-Obesity-MC4R.php (Accessed: 11 February 2024).
[6] Evans, S. (2019) If you find it hard to lose weight, blame your parents, says this scientist, Australian Financial Review. Available at: https://www.afr.com/companies/healthcare-and-fitness/if-you-find-it-hard-to-lose-weight-blame-your-parents-20190305-h1bzl9%20%20%C2%A0 (Accessed: 11 February 2024).
[7] Schleinitz, D. et al. (2014) The genetics of fat distribution - diabetologia, SpringerLink. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-014-3214-z (Accessed: 11 February 2024).
[8] E;, S.C.P.-J. (2012) Genetics of body fat distribution: Comparative analyses in populations with European, Asian and African ancestries, Genes. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34072523/ (Accessed: 11 February 2024).
[9] Alexopoulos N, Katritsis D, Raggi P. Visceral adipose tissue as a source of inflammation and promoter of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis. 2014 Mar;233(1):104-12. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2013.12.023. Epub 2014 Jan 7. PMID: 24529130.
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