Vigorous physical activity can help even people genetically prone to obesity keep the weight off. A study among a group of Amish people found those who had an obesity-related gene called FTO but were very physically active weighed about the same as others who did not carry the gene.
The group offered a unique mix of activity levels, with some farmers in the community still using horse-drawn plows, while others held more conventional jobs, including factory work.
The findings suggest that physical activity can overcome a genetic predisposition for obesity.