Obesity is often influenced by genetics, says British doctor and scientist Sadaf Farooqi. She thinks doctors need to do a better job of understanding how biology affects weight. “Lifestyle is important, but our genes play a much bigger role than most people think,” she explains.
The RIVM predicts that by 2050, 64% of people in the Netherlands will be overweight. But Farooqi is hopeful. “We’re at the start of a revolution. We’re learning more about the different types of obesity and how to treat them better,” she says.
Her research found that some people don’t produce leptin because of a genetic defect. Leptin is a hormone that tells your brain you’re full. Without it, you’re always hungry. But when she gave these people leptin injections, they lost weight and got healthier.
So far, Farooqi has found 35 genetic defects linked to obesity. One of the key ones is the MC4R gene. If it doesn’t work properly, you feel hungrier, crave fatty foods, and burn less fat. Even with exercise, losing weight can be tough.
“Genes control 40 to 70% of our weight,” says Farooqi. “It’s time to stop thinking obesity is just about overeating or lack of willpower. Doctors need to be more understanding and focus on a person’s biology.”
She believes we need better treatments, including medication that tackles the biological causes of obesity. “We treat high blood pressure with medication. Obesity should be seen as a real medical condition too, so we can help people based on their needs.”
