Exercise to Combat Fat Gene

A new study says unwanted weight may be in your d-n-a, but there is something you can do to work against this obesity gene.
 
Local 12 Medical Reporter Liz Bonis explains in today's Health Alert.

The study found that physical activity actually works against this gene. We stopped out at Saint Luke in Florence in cardiac rehab today to tell you more about it. The gene is called the FTO gene, which stands for fat mass and obesity associated gene. People who have two copies of the gene are nearly 70 percent more likely to be obese than those who do not. They also weigh on average seven pounds more.

The gene was discovered when researchers were looking at a gene for diabetes. So, here's what this latest research shows, however, when they looked at people who were active. Those who got more exercise didn't weigh more than those without the gene. To get the amount needed, you need an hour of exercise three or four days a week. You can't really know if you have it unless you are tested, but if you've struggled with weight your whole life, there's a strong possibility.