Obesity CAN be written in your DNA – and swab test can reveal if you need to do an extra 2k steps a day

BEING fat can be caused by your genes — and you’ll have to walk more than 2,200 extra steps a day to keep the pounds off if you’re at risk, a study shows.

Some 43 per cent of healthy people at greatest risk developed obesity over the five-year study, compared to 13 per cent in the lowest risk group, US researchers found.

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They said the findings are “new and important” because they were able to put a number on the extra exercise people at higher risk of obesity need.

Dr Evan Brittain, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, said they can find out the genetic risk from companies like 23andMe.

He said: “You can imagine a future in which that data could form the basis of an individual’s physical activity recommendation from their doctor.

“I think these findings could be empowering for patients because the current physical activity guidelines take a one-size-fits-all approach.

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“What we learned is that depending on your genetic risk, the guidelines may underestimate the amount of activity needed to reduce your risk of obesity.

“Most importantly, I would like for patients to know that your genetic risk doesn’t determine your overall risk of obesity, and you can actually overcome that risk by being more active.”

Around a quarter of English adults are obese, with a further 38 per cent overweight but not obese.

And worldwide, more than one billion people are now obese.

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Research has shown overweight people cost the NHS an extra £13.7billion a year.

Obesity is linked with a range of deadly conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and various forms of cancer.

The NHS recommends Brits do around 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise like walking a week to keep in shape.

Previous studies have suggested people's DNA contributes to their risk of obesity.

Genetic testing for “severe early-onset obesity” is available on the health service for severely obese children aged under five.

People can also find out their chances through private DNA tests, which can cost up to £180.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

The latest study, published in JAMA Network Open, looked at how much activity people need to do to reduce their chances of weight gain based on their genetic risk.

Researchers analysed the genes of 3,052 adults who were normal weight at the start of the study to determine their risk of becoming obese.

They also gave them FitBit devices to track their average steps per day over the five years.

People in the top 25 per cent for obesity risk had to walk around 11,020 steps per day to avoid becoming obese, researchers found.

For comparison those around the 50 per cent mark only need to walk around 8,740 for the same results.

Katharine Jenner, of the Obesity Health Alliance, said: "Knowing your genetic risk is only going to get you so far, no matter how many steps you can walk, when the odds are stacked against you.

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“Obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition with many causes, including your genetics and family history.

"Once you are living with obesity it is very hard to reverse, so prevention is absolutely key."