Tag: Gene environment interaction

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, what we eat is considered an environmental factor that influences health, yet an individual's genetic makeup can significantly alter their response to diet. This duality suggests that the nature-versus-nurture debate is particularly nuanced when applied to the study of human nutrition.

Estimates from multiple studies suggest the heritability of obesity ranges from 40% to 70%. This does not mean genetics is the sole determinant, but rather that a significant portion of the population's variation in body mass is attributable to inherited differences. Understanding what is the genetic heritability of obesity requires examining the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.

Research using twin studies has consistently shown that identical twins share more similar dietary patterns than non-identical twins, even when raised apart, providing strong evidence that can eating habits be genetic. While environmental factors are critical, a growing body of scientific evidence reveals that our food choices and eating behaviors are partly hardwired into our DNA. This article explores the fascinating science behind how our genes influence what, when, and how much we eat.