Body metabolism, the process by which the body converts food into energy—is central to overall health. It affects how efficiently we burn calories, how our body stores fat, and even how susceptible we are to certain diseases. While lifestyle choices such as diet and physical activity play a major role in shaping metabolic health, experts say that genetics, or heredity, may have an even deeper influence.
Genetics: The Blueprint of Metabolism
Scientists have long established that metabolic rate can be inherited. According to Dr. Olufunmilayo Adeyemi, a clinical geneticist based in Lagos, “Some people are born with a naturally high metabolic rate, meaning their bodies burn calories faster, while others inherit a slower metabolism which can lead to easier weight gain and fatigue.”
Research has identified several genes, including FTO, MC4R, and UCP1, that influence body weight, appetite regulation, and fat storage. Individuals who inherit certain variants of these genes are more prone to obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, even with a moderate lifestyle.
Children with a family history of thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, are also at greater risk of inheriting a sluggish metabolism that can result in weight gain, cold sensitivity, and low energy.
Beyond Genes: The Role of Environment and Lifestyle
Despite the strong influence of heredity, medical professionals stress that lifestyle choices can either mitigate or amplify genetic predispositions. Poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, chronic stress, and inadequate sleep are key environmental triggers that can impair metabolism and increase the likelihood of illness.
“Your genes load the gun, but your lifestyle pulls the trigger,” says Dr. Adeyemi. She explains that while you may be genetically predisposed to high blood sugar or cholesterol, adopting healthy habits like eating whole foods, exercising regularly, and staying hydrated—can help regulate your metabolic rate and reduce disease risks.
Hormones, Age, and Gender Also Play a Role
Hormonal imbalances, particularly involving insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones, can drastically affect how the body processes energy. Women, for example, often experience slower metabolism as they age, especially after menopause. Men, on the other hand, generally have more muscle mass, which helps burn more calories at rest.
Additionally, metabolic rate tends to decline with age across all populations. This natural decline can make weight maintenance and disease prevention more challenging in older adults, especially those with a hereditary predisposition.
Sicknesses Linked to Metabolic Dysfunction
Several illnesses are directly tied to metabolic irregularities. These include:
Type 2 Diabetes: Often runs in families and is linked to insulin resistance.
Obesity: Influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
Cardiovascular Diseases: High cholesterol and high blood pressure often stem from poor metabolic control.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Common in women and involves metabolic and hormonal imbalances.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance.
The Way Forward: Personalized Health Strategies
Medical experts advocate for personalized medicine healthcare strategies tailored to an individual’s genetic profile. DNA testing kits now allow individuals to discover their metabolic tendencies and potential disease risks, which can guide better health decisions.
Public health nutritionist, Mrs. Nneka Okonkwo, urges Nigerians to embrace preventive healthcare. “Regular health checkups, family medical history reviews, and early lifestyle interventions can go a long way in reducing the burden of metabolic-related diseases,” she said.
Conclusion
While we may not have control over the genes we inherit, we do have the power to influence how those genes are expressed. Understanding the interplay between heredity, lifestyle, and metabolism is key to preventing chronic diseases and living a healthier, more energized life. By being proactive, people can defy genetic odds and improve their metabolic health through informed, consistent choices.
