The Role of Genetics in Obesity: Can Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Help?

Obesity is a pressing health challenge of the modern world, and for many people, it is something that keeps them from experiencing life to its fullest. While lifestyle and environmental influences are significant contributors to obesity, genetics play an undeniable role in influencing body weight and metabolic functions. So, understanding how one's genetic makeup affects obesity can help navigate the weight-loss process more precisely.

One of the more effective treatments available is metabolic bariatric surgery, but can it truly help those whose struggle with obesity has a genetic root?

This article will explore the role of genetics in obesity, its impact on health, and how metabolic bariatric surgery can serve as a powerful solution.

How Genetics Play a Role in Health and Obesity

Genes play a crucial role in nearly every function of the human body, and they are directly involved in how the body regulates weight. Over 400 different genes have been associated with obesity, influencing factors such as appetite, metabolism, fat storage, and the distribution of body fat. For example, genetic variations in the FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated) gene have been linked to a higher likelihood of obesity, as they can increase hunger levels and calorie intake.

Other genetic factors affect how your body metabolizes food and burns energy. Some people may have a slower metabolic rate, leading to fewer calories being burned even when they engage in physical activity. Genetics can also influence how the body stores fat; some individuals may be genetically predisposed to store fat more easily, especially around the abdomen, which is linked to various health complications such as heart disease and diabetes.

Family History: If you come from a family where many members are obese, you’re more likely to struggle with your weight as well. While lifestyle habits passed down through generations play a role, the genetic factor cannot be overlooked.

Epigenetics: Interestingly, epigenetic factors—how genes are expressed based on environmental factors—also play a significant role. This means that even if you have a genetic predisposition toward obesity, certain lifestyle changes can "turn off" or reduce the expression of those genes.

Dr Amit Sood, renowned as the best bariatric surgeon in Chandigarh, helps his patients understand the crucial role of genetics, along with other significant factors that play a role in creating obesity. His expertise has helped thousands of patients so far, and he continues to guide and provide solutions to patients, helping them realise that obesity is not something to be resigned to, but something that can be fought with and won over.

How Does Genetics Affect Obesity?

Obesity, like most medical conditions, is complex. It is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioural factors. The genetic component is so strong that studies on twins raised apart have shown that genetics account for 40-70% of a person’s risk of becoming obese.

Genetic predispositions often determine how the body reacts to different dietary and exercise patterns. Some people, despite being on the same diet and exercise routine as others, might lose weight at a much slower rate or not at all. This is where the role of genes becomes undeniable. For these individuals, conventional weight-loss methods might prove frustrating, and they may seek more permanent solutions like metabolic bariatric surgery.

Metabolic Surgery: A Solution Beyond Traditional Weight Loss

For individuals with a genetic predisposition to obesity, metabolic bariatric surgery can provide an answer when traditional methods fail. Metabolic bariatric surgery, which includes procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding, alters the digestive system to promote weight loss. According to Dr Amit Sood, the best bariatric surgeon in Chandigarh, it’s not just about reducing the size of the stomach but also about how it impacts hormonal and metabolic functions.

So, how does metabolic bariatric surgery help those with genetic obesity?

Hormonal Regulation: Certain bariatric procedures, like gastric bypass, alter gut hormones that influence hunger, satiety, and blood sugar levels. This hormonal shift can lead to a decrease in appetite and an increase in energy expenditure, offering a powerful tool to combat the genetic components that drive overeating.

Metabolic Reset: Metabolic bariatric surgery can lead to a "reset" of the body’s metabolism. Even those with a slower metabolism due to genetic factors often see a significant improvement after surgery. This is particularly beneficial for individuals whose genes have predisposed them to conserve energy and store fat.

Fat Distribution: Surgery can help correct the issues related to fat distribution, especially for those who genetically store fat around the abdomen. Post-surgery, patients tend to lose fat from the abdominal area, reducing their risk of related conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Sustained Weight Loss: Genetics may influence how easy it is to gain weight, but metabolic bariatric surgery helps provide long-term, sustainable weight loss for many patients. This sustained weight loss reduces the risk of obesity-related complications, offering significant health benefits.

What You Need to Know About Genetics and Bariatric Surgery

Before considering metabolic bariatric surgery, it’s essential to understand how your genetics might impact both your weight and the surgery's outcomes. Here are some factors to consider:

Not a "Cure-All" for Genetic Obesity: While metabolic bariatric surgery can significantly reduce weight, it doesn’t eliminate the genetic factors that may cause you to regain weight. Post-surgery lifestyle changes are crucial for success.

Long-Term Commitment: To maintain the benefits of surgery, patients must commit to a long-term lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise. Genetics may still affect how easily you gain or lose weight, so consistent effort is required.

Custom Solutions: Dr Amit Sood, the best bariatric surgeon in Chandigarh, along with his multidisciplinary team at CKOSMIC Health City can help assess your unique genetic and health profile to recommend the most suitable surgical procedure for your body type and health condition.

How the Best Bariatric Surgeon in Punjab Can Help

If you are genetically predisposed to obesity and struggling with weight loss, metabolic bariatric surgery might be the most effective option. Dr Amit Sood, the best bariatric surgeon in Chandigarh can offer personalized care, understanding your genetic background and tailoring the surgery to meet your needs.

Metabolic bariatric surgery is a significant decision, but for many, it offers the chance to break free from the genetic chains that keep them locked in the cycle of obesity. With proper guidance, support, and a commitment to long-term lifestyle changes, it’s possible to achieve and maintain a healthier weight, even if your genes are working against you.

Conclusion

Genetics plays a powerful role in determining an individual’s propensity toward obesity, but it doesn’t mean that weight loss is impossible. While traditional methods may not always work for everyone, metabolic bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective tool to overcome the genetic barriers to weight loss. The best bariatric surgeon, Dr Amit Sood, and his team at CKOSMIC Health City can help you explore this option and guide you toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. With the right approach, even the genetic odds can be beaten.

(No Hans India Journalist was involved in creation of this content)