Children who carry a gene strongly associated with obesity may be able to minimize its effect by eating a diet with low energy density. That’s according to new research from University College London and the University of Bristol, published in the March 4, 2009 issue of PLoS One.
The study, based on data from a sample of 2275 children, suggests people might be able to avoid becoming obese even if they carry the FTO gene, which has been identified as a high-risk gene for obesity.
Dietary energy density (DED) refers to the amount of energy consumed per unit weight of food. A low dietary energy density can be achieved by preferentially eating water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, and limiting foods high in fat and sugar, including desserts and candy.
The researchers examined how DED affected fat accumulation in the body over a period of three years in children ages 10 to 13 years old. They found that children with a more energy dense diet (more calories per bite) tended to have more fat mass three years later. They also confirmed that those carrying the high risk gene had greater fat mass overall.
When the researchers looked at whether children with the FTO gene had more efficient fat accumulation when eating an energy dense diet than did children with a lower genetic risk, they found that they did not. This indicates that if a child with a high genetic risk eats a diet with fewer calories per bite, he or she might be able to offset the effect of the gene on weight gain. The result: maintaining a healthy weight.
The bottom line here is what I have said all along: genetics are influential, but they are not destiny. Adopting a diet with more bulk and less energy per bite could help both children and adults who have a genetic tendency to gain weight. My anti-inflammatory food pyramid is based upon foods with low energy density. While not designed specifically as a weight-loss plan, many people do lose weight when they begin to eat this way, as well as becoming healthier generally.
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