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December 2, 2008 7:34:39 PM CST

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Exercise Trumps Obesity Gene

Posted Sep 9, 08 8:40 AM CDT in Arts & Living,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Regular exercise and an active lifestyle can defeat the so-called obesity gene, which predisposes millions of people to be overweight, reports WebMD. Researchers found that people with variations of the gene were more likely to be overweight, but that the gene had no effect on those who included three to four hours of moderately intense physical activity—such as brisk walking, gardening, or house cleaning—in their daily routine.

"These findings emphasize the important role of physical activity in public health efforts to combat obesity, particularly in genetically susceptible individuals," said the study's author. Some 30% of European populations have variants of the FTO obesity gene.

Source WebMD

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A new study says that an active lifestyle can defeat the impact of the obesity gene which predisposes some people to be overweight.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
A new study says that an active lifestyle can defeat the impact of the obesity gene which predisposes some people to be overweight.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
A new study says that an active lifestyle can defeat the impact of the obesity gene which predisposes some people to be overweight.   (KRT Photos)
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