Also Included In: Genetics; Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 06 Sep 2013 - 1:00 PDT Current ratings for:
Psychological effects of genetic testing for risk of weight gain
Obesity gene testing does not put people off weight loss and may help to reduce self-blame, according to a new study by researchers from the Health Behaviour Research Centre at UCL (University College London).
Previous studies have shown that genes play a role in a person's risk of becoming overweight. One gene, called FTO, has been found to have the biggest influence so far.
FTO has two variants, one associated with greater risk of weight gain (A) and one associated with lower risk (T). One in two people carries at least one copy of the A variant. People who inherit two A variants (one from their mother and one from their father) are 70% more likely to become obese than those with two T variants. Even those who inherit one have a higher weight than those with two T variants.
Researchers can now use a gene test for FTO (although this is not yet commercially available). However, it was not known how people would react to finding out the results of the genetic test.
Some clinicians thought it would help people to become motivated to manage their weight. Others thought that the 'genes as destiny' perspective might mean people felt there was nothing they could do about their weight. If people responded fatalistically it could be harmful because diet and exercise are still very important for health and weight control, perhaps even more so if a person is 'battling against their biology'.
UCL's Professor Jane Wardle and Susanne Meisel decided to test a small number of volunteers (18) for their FTO status and interview them about their experience. The sample of volunteers included men and women, who spanned the weight range from underweight to obese.
They found that the volunteers were very enthusiastic about receiving their genetic test result. Those who struggled with their weight said that the genetic test result was helpful because it removed some of the emotional stress attached to weight control and relieved some of the stigma and self-blame
No one reported a negative reaction to the genetic test result, or said it made them feel there was nothing they could do to about their weight.
Susanne Meisel, who led the study said: "These results are encouraging. Regardless of gene status or weight, all the volunteers recognised that both genes and behaviour are important for weight control. The results indicate that people are unlikely to believe that genes are destiny and stop engaging with weight control once they know their FTO status. Although they knew that FTO's effect is only small, they found it motivating and informative. We are now doing a larger study to confirm whether more people react in the same way."
Dr Laura McGowan, Executive Director of the charity Weight Concern added: "The causes of obesity are multiple and complex, and this research is encouraging for those who struggle with their weight. Although we know genetics play a part in weight, people can learn strategies to deal with this increased risk for weight gain, so finding out you carry the high-risk version of the gene shouldn't mean you surrender to fate."
Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release. Click 'references' tab above for source.Visit our obesity / weight loss / fitness section for the latest news on this subject.
The study was funded by Cancer Research UK and published in the Journal of Genetic Counseling.
The research team is looking for people who would like to get tested for FTO in the future if this option becomes available, so please email the charity Weight Concern at enquiries@weightconcern.org.uk for more information.
Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:MLA
13 Sep. 2013.
Please note: If no author information is provided, the source is cited instead.
'Psychological effects of genetic testing for risk of weight gain'
Please note that we publish your name, but we do not publish your email address. It is only used to let you know when your message is published. We do not use it for any other purpose. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
If you write about specific medications or operations, please do not name health care professionals by name.
All opinions are moderated before being included (to stop spam). We reserve the right to amend opinions where we deem necessary.
Contact Our News Editors
For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form.
Please send any medical news or health news press releases to:
Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions.
No comments:
Post a Comment