Research
Mixed
Genetic susceptibility to obesity, including variants like the FTO gene, can be counteracted by high levels of physical activity.
If you have a family history of obesity, do not assume it is inevitable. Engaging in high levels of physical activity can help counteract genetic risks associated with genes like FTO.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Moreover, possession of the predisposing alleles does not constitute a biological inevitability for the development of obesity, and it has been demonstrated that the influence of FTO alleles can be counter-acted by a high level of physical activity.
Why this rating
Cites GWAS and specific allele studies, though the paper itself is a review.
Source
Variations in the Prevalence of Obesity Among European Countries, and a Consideration of Possible Causes.
John E Blundell et al. · PubMed · 2017
DOI 10.1159/000455952
narrative_reviewCited 1,951×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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