Research
Hormonal
Genetic susceptibility interacts with environmental factors to influence obesity risk, where specific gene variants (e.g., beta-3 adrenergic receptor, UCP-1) affect energy expenditure and fat oxidation, but these genes only contribute to obesity when triggered by energy-dense diets and sedentary behavior.
If you have a family history of obesity, you may have genetic variants that make you more sensitive to high-calorie foods and inactivity. This doesn't mean you are doomed, but it means you need to be more vigilant about your diet and physical activity levels than someone without those genetic risks.
GoodConditionalHIGH confidence
The major factors involved in obesity seem to be dietary and physical activity habits. These factors are affected by susceptibility genes that in turn may influence energy expenditure, fuel metabolism, muscle fibre function and appetite or food preferences.
Why this rating
Supported by linkage studies, twin studies, and specific gene mutation research cited.
Source
Body-weight regulation: causes of obesity
J. Alfredo Martínéz · Proceedings of The Nutrition Society · 2000
DOI 10.1017/s0029665100000380
narrative_reviewCited 233×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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