Hyderabad: A groundbreaking study by the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) has revealed that young Indians, despite being genetically predisposed to obesity, have a powerful opportunity to reverse their health risks through lifestyle changes.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, a journal from Nature, identifies a critical “window of opportunity” for Indians under the age of 50—particularly those in their 20s and 30s—to significantly reduce their risk of obesity and related chronic illnesses.
16 Times Higher Obesity Risk with Bad Genes and Poor Lifestyle
According to the research, Indians under 30 who carry obesity-related genes and follow an unhealthy lifestyle are 16 times more likely to become obese.
However, the study offers a hopeful message: adopting a healthy lifestyle can be three times more effective in reducing the impact of “bad genes” in younger individuals compared to older generations.
Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Founder of AIG, said the findings show that while individuals cannot change their DNA, they can effectively “silence” its harmful impact through specific dietary and physical activity choices.
Healthy Lifestyle Can ‘Turn Off’ Obesity Genes
The study highlights the concept of metabolic plasticity—meaning the body is more responsive to positive changes at a younger age. Healthy habits such as:
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Regular physical activity
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A balanced diet
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Reduced intake of refined carbohydrates
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Lower consumption of saturated fats
can significantly counter genetic risks.
Researchers found that following a structured “Healthy Lifestyle Score” could reduce Body Mass Index (BMI) by nearly 5 points, even among individuals genetically predisposed to obesity.
Indians Face Higher Metabolic Risks
The data, drawn from both UK Biobank participants and patients at AIG Hyderabad, suggests that India is facing not just a weight issue but a broader metabolic health challenge.
Indians are known to develop diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations, making the 16-fold obesity risk particularly concerning.
Under 50? Your Choices Matter More
One of the most important takeaways from the study is that lifestyle interventions are most effective before the age of 50.
For individuals in their 20s and 30s, each healthy decision made today—whether dietary or physical—has three times the preventive impact compared to similar changes adopted later in life.
Key Findings at a Glance
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Genetic predisposition does not make obesity inevitable.
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Bad genes combined with poor lifestyle increase obesity risk by 16 times.
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Healthy lifestyle changes are three times more effective in younger individuals.
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Diet low in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats is crucial.
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Regular exercise and healthy eating can reduce BMI by up to 5 points.
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The Indian body responds strongly to early lifestyle interventions.
The AIG study reinforces a powerful message: while genetics may load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger. For young Indians, the opportunity to reshape their metabolic health is real—and the time to act is now.
