Exercising but not losing weight? You may not have 'skinny genes', say scientists

London

If you exercise regularly and are still not losing weight, it could be because you do not have 'skinny genes'.

According to a new study, some so-called skinny genes are responsible for how our bodies respond to exercise.

The researchers from the University of Essex and Anglia Ruskin University found that there are 14 skinny genes that influence weight loss.

"We hypothesised that eight weeks of endurance training could reduce body mass, but participants would improve at different rates, and that this could be explained, in part, by their genetic differences," wrote the researchers in the study.

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They examined 38 subjects aged 23 to 40. The volunteers were divided into an exercise group and a control group.

Their exercise regimen was monitored for eight weeks, during which one group completed a running programme of 20 to 30 minutes per week while the control group remained inactive.

The results made the researchers posit that genetic differences were behind the difference in the weight loss, though all followed the same training regimen.

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Those with some specific gene variants lost an average of five kilogrammes as opposed to two kg weight loss for those without these variants.

The gene PPARGC1A, which is linked to energy metabolism, was present in those who lost the most weight, found the study published in the Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport.

PPARGC1A is associated with the way our cells process and manage energy. 

DNA analysis showed that 17 specific single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs were linked to the differences in weight loss.

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This led the researchers to suggest that people with these genetic variants are capable of better weight management through exercise.

Significantly, they also found that five skinny genes affect mental health, such as depression and intelligence.

Does it mean you can't lose weight? No.

What the researchers are suggesting is that 'one size fits all' approach will not work when trying to lose weight through fitness regimens.

Our bodies are unique, and personalised approaches are needed for each of us for seeing benefits of excercise, as genetics can affect its effectiveness.

"This study highlighted some important genes associated with taking inches off the jeans, but it's important to remember that the genes will do nothing without exercise and lifestyle changes as they are all interlinked," exercise scientist Henry Chung from the University of Essex said.

"Without intervention, they won't show their true potential and then it doesn't matter what genes you have," he was quoted as saying in ScienceAlert.

(With inputs from agencies)