Having the so-called fat mass-and-obesity (FTO) gene does not necessarily mean that teens will become obese. In a recent study of 752 teens, 37 percent did not have FTO mutations, 47 percent had one copy and 16 percent had two copies. According to a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, the effects of the gene can be avoided with an adequate amount of physical activity. One great option for any child or teenager is a summer weight loss camp, such as Camp Shane, which always encourages a healthy lifestyle through proper fitness and nutrition techniques.

The FTO Gene

Each copy of a mutation in the FTO gene is correlated with an increase in weight of about 3.3 pounds. Having copies of the mutation is linked to having a higher body mass index (BMI), a higher percentage of body fat, and a larger waist. However, this can be almost completely combated by adding one hour of physical activity to each day. In other words, if a teenager gets the recommended amount of exercise per day, they can offset their genetic predisposition to obesity. Besides being able to lower their BMI through an hour of exercise daily, obese teens (with the obesity gene) can also decrease body fat mass and waist circumference.

Physical Activity Recommendations

It is recommended that all teens get at least 60 minutes of exercise (moderate and vigorous) a day, such as playing sports. Most of us do not get our genes tested, therefore, the above recommendations for physical activity should be followed by all teenagers. We cannot choose our genetic make-up but we can choose how we modify our lifestyle to either maximize or minimize our genes. If a teenager has a gene that predisposes them to obesity, they may be able to cancel it out by eating healthfully, exercising regularly, and adopting other healthy lifestyle behaviors, all of which we encourage at Camp Shane.

Written by Camp Shane Nutritionist, Jessica Bouchard

Source: http://news.health.com/2010/04/05/exercise-helps-teens-overcome-obesity-gene/