London - If you grew up in an overweight family, obesity could be in your genes.
But a study suggests having a partner with healthy diet and exercise habits as an adult decreases the risk that you will suffer from the condition.
Equally, an obese partner could have the opposite effect.
The study found that by middle age, the lifestyle a couple shares has a greater influence on their chances of becoming obese than their upbringing.
The study, led by Professor Chris Haley of Edinburgh University, analysed data from 20 000 people in Scotland. It compared family genetics and childhood and adulthood home environments, relating these to measures including body fat content and body mass index.
Professor Haley said genetics were significant in obesity, but “the environment you share with your partner in adulthood… is more important than your upbringing”.
He added: “Even people who come from families with a history of obesity can reduce their risk by changing their habits.”
The research is published in the journal PLoS Genetics.
Daily Mail