How genes help you eat and not gain weight

Genes are a set of instructions that determine our physiology, including our ability to process food. Some people can eat a lot and not gain weight, while others gain weight quickly even with a moderate diet. But how do genes help us eat and not gain weight?

One of the genes responsible for this phenomenon is called AMY1. It codes for amylase, an enzyme that is involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates in our food. Scientists at King's College London conducted research showing that people with more copies of the AMY1 gene can digest starch and carbohydrates better, meaning they can eat more calories without gaining weight.

It has also been found that the copy number of the AMY1 gene may differ between people of different ethnic groups. For example, in Europeans the average copy number of this gene is about 6, while in the Hunza people of India and Pakistan, who are known for their ability to consume large amounts of calories without gaining weight, the average number of copies of the AMY1 gene is about 14.

However, the AMY1 gene is not the only gene that affects our ability to digest food. There are other genes that may play a role in regulating our appetite and metabolism. For example, the FTO gene has been associated with the risk of obesity, and the MC4R gene has been associated with the control of appetite and metabolism.

However, in the future, scientists hope to use knowledge of genes to develop individual diets and food intake recommendations for each person. This may help people reduce their risk of obesity and other diet-related diseases. For now, however, don't rely on genes alone to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is important to monitor your diet and exercise to achieve optimal health and well-being.