Is laziness in YOUR DNA?

December 12, 2018  12:37

It can be difficult to think of good excuses to avoid the gym - but now you can blame it on your DNA.

Scientists who analysed data of more than 90,000 people now say genetics could be partly to blame for your laziness. 

Seven genes have been newly linked to physical inactivity by researchers at Oxford University, who compared the DNA and activity levels of people in Britain.

They say the links don't let people off the hook for skipping the gym, but could go towards a better understanding of fitness, sleep and health problems.

The researchers measured the time sent sitting, sleeping and moving around using activity monitors worn on the wrists of people who also gave their DNA.

Comparing the two allowed them to develop an accurate picture of how active the 91,105 people were in their day-to-day lives. 

They found 14 genes – sections of DNA which instruct the body to act in a certain way – which appeared directly linked to how physically active someone was.

Half the genes had never been seen to act this way before by scientists.

And studying the DNA could offer new insight into, for example, whether genes make people obese and therefore inactive, or inactive which then leads to obesity.

'How and why we move isn't all about genes,' said Dr Aiden Doherty, who led the study.

'But understanding the role genes play will help improve our understanding of the causes and consequences of physical inactivity.'

Physical inactivity is a growing public health problem because people's sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Source: The Daily Mail

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter


 
  • Video
 
 
  • Event calendar
 
 
  • Archive
 
  • Most read
 
  • Find us on Facebook
 
  • Poll
Are you aware that in 2027 medical insurance will become mandatory for all Armenian citizens?
I’m aware, and I'm in favor
I’m not aware, and I'm against
I'm aware, but I'm still undecided
I'm not aware, but in principle I'm in favor
I'm not aware, but in principle I'm against
It doesn't matter to me