US boffins have discovered that our desire to be fit and healthy or be a couch potato is in our genes and can be passed on from generation to generation.
Scientists from the University of California found mice bred to enjoy running would produce offspring that also like it, showing that the baby mice had inherited the trait of high activity.
But there's good news for lazy people. According to the researchers, in the future they could be treated with medicine that targets the genes to specifically promote activity, the UK's
Daily Telegraph reported.
On the downside, Professor Theodore Garland Jr, a biologist and lead author of the study, said "such interventions could also make it less comfortable for people to sit still for long periods of time".
But Sydney-based weight-loss and wellness coach Con Karson told
RALPH that inactive people also need to revise their diet.
"In addition to taking such medicine, inactive people really need to reduce the amount of simple and refined carbohydrates consumed," he said.
"To prevent obesity in Western society, a good diet can help a lot. The more you weigh, the less active you're likely to be."
Saxon Cheng
Your say: Do you think genes dictate our love or hate of exercise?
Con Karson can be contacted on (02) 9247 3009 or check out www.betterhealthandbody.com.au
