The one thing you can do to beat the obesity genes that run in your family according to Professor Tim Spector

For some of us, it can be really clear whether we take after our mum or our dad when it comes to our body shape. Many of the things that characterise the way we look are inherited, including our genes.

But according to Professor Tim Spector, you can beat your genetics when it comes to obesity. The scientist and health guru explained in the Telegraph that he was one of the scientists in a team of hundreds that discovered the first big obesity gene.

This was an exciting time for genetic research, and it was hoped that by pin pointing genes like this, it would make it easier for scientists to come up with medications and treatments to prevent or treat obesity. However, Prof Spector explained that the excitement was short-lived, as after they discovered the first gene, it soon became obvious that there were thousands of genes that were linked to obesity.

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So how exactly do you beat your obesity genes if there are thousands of them? Professor Spector said that from his research, he discovered that our environment packs more punch than our genes, and the environment of the last 20-40 years has contributed massively to the growth in obesity in the UK. For the latest health and Covid news, sign up to our newsletter here

He explained: "Genes determine whether you are susceptible to developing Type 2 diabetes, but they simply don't come into play unless the food environment is harmful, which also harms our gut microbes. It's only when ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are available in abundance that genes are switched on. The genes haven't changed, but our food environment has, dramatically."

The scientist feels so strongly about not allowing our genetics influence our weight that he believes genetic tests that show how you metabolise certain food is a waste of time and money. He said: "Genetic tests for selecting your optimum exercise or sport are available, but equally useless, and exercise, though good for you, unfortunately doesn’t help weight loss."

Prof Spector said the food we eat now is designed to "make most of us overeat massively", and the key to ensuring that you are a healthier weight than your parents might be is to make "better dietary decisions". The key to this he explained is to ditch the UPFs and eat "real food, mostly plants".