Sunday, November 30, 2008

Which genes drive metabolism?

Reuters reported an interesting article a few days ago about researchers finding 4 genes that drive metabolism. The four genes FADS1, LIPC, SCAD and MCAD affect the metabolism by determining the rate in which individuals burn up food. These genetic variations could lead to personalized treatment for those who have susceptibility to obesity or coronary artery disease which have genetic components.

So this made me wonder. If you knew you had these genes and that your body would never be the "thin" (in your terms) ideal that you wanted, would you continue to pursue your efforts in trying to obtain it? Would it actually give you a sense of peace, knowing that you didn't have control over what your body did or rather would it make you feel worse, like your body was betraying you by having these certain genes?


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think that's hard to say. If I was told now, I think I am probably in so deep, that recovery would take just as long. I doubt it would bring me any peace, probably I'd be spurred into further weight loss, lest genetics sneak up on me one day without me noticing!
If i had been told when i was considerably younger, i think i would have developed a far healthier attitude towards my life, at least I hope that i would have :)

Tiptoe said...

Lola, I agree this is one of those hard to say moments what you would do. I think pulling oneself out before deeply entrenched in ED is always easier. And for young people, maybe being told something like this would be beneficial? I don't know though, so hard to judge.

Wrapped up in Life said...

I kind of learned this when my dietician measured my bmi. THat's when I realized that no matter how much I restrict, I will never be as thin as I want to be, without being dead. It really opened my eyes and helped me to accept the number on the scale as only one part of the puzzle. I was made to have strong arm and legs, so what? That's me!

It didn't solve my ed, but it has helped propel me in the right direction.

Tiptoe said...

GBML, that is fantastic that you learned this about yourself and accepted it, as hard as it was. I'm truly glad it put you in the right direction. I do think for some people this could be beneficial, and like you, perhaps, help them to accept their body.