Like it or not, we are all born with a set of genes that largely determine the way we look. So when people make the excuse that they are genetically predisposed to carry more fat than others, they have a point….. However, we can’t let the “I’m overweight because of my genetics” camp off the hook so easily. Many of our physical characteristics are largely determined by our genetic composition at birth, but the outward expression of those traits can be influenced by our environment and how we interact with it.
Genotype means:
The genetic makeup, as distinguished from the physical appearance, of an organism or a group of organisms.
Basically, the general traits that we are predisposed to exhibit
Good example = eye colour
Phenotype means:
a. The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.
b. The expression of a specific trait, such as stature or blood type, based on genetic and environmental influences.
The clear distinction between the two definitions is the role that our environment plays on the outward expression of our genetic traits.
We really have no control over our genotype. It was handed down to us at birth. Some of us got lucky, some of us just have to work harder to achieve our desired look.
Some of us just have to work harder or smarter to achieve our goals!
The point is that it is totally possible to influence the way our genes are expressed. If you believe you are predisposed to be fat, then you probably haven’t manipulated your environment enough to change your phenotype! Weight set points are the most probable of genetic traits to be influenced by your environment. Starting a weight training program, or a new diet are excellent ways to change your genetic expression.
As crazy as it seems, other phenotype changes have occurred in people when trying a raw food, or paleo diet. There is no scientific evidence to account for this, but in a world of instant information, more anecdotal evidence is piling up to suggest that we are incredibly capable of changing the way we look through natural means.
Is is possible to change our eye colour naturally? Some people say they have……
Some traits that have been reported to change are eye colour, hair density (I can vouch for that one!), and the obvious changes to body shape..just to name a few
Genotype Vs Phenotype: Otto and Ewald
Check out these popular researched German identical twins, who carried out different training regiments. Since identical twins are supposed to carry the exact same genes they should look identical. As you can see Otto and Ewald do not.
Otto ended up training with Ewald and eventuall they were both jacked.
Is it me, or does Ewald’s hair look drasitcally more healthy than Otto’s? Hmmmm…..
The main take away from the article is simple…..
It’s true that we are born with natural limits. We are predisposed to look a certain way. There are some traits we express that we really have no control over (like height), but there are many traits that we can influence. Body composition is one of them! This is great news. No more excuses…get out there and influence your phenotype!
One of my favorite changes that occur when we start to eat well and exercise is the outward expression of the way we look. Ask anyone who has expienced significant weight loss because they know what is possible when we change our environment! Don’t use genetics as an excuse.
Cheers,
Jordan
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It is far too common hearing someone say that they can’t reach their fitness goals because their bodytype “runs in the family.”
Well sometimes these aspects that make it a tad difficult to reach a goal but it should never stop anyone from achieving what they want. By putting an extra effort we can even overcome our genetics.
-Sam
I could have easily used that excuse myself, but then I changed my shape and so did my dad! Genetics form our foundation, but we can put the finishing touches on the way we look. We have more lattitude to change our appearance than most people believe. Hard work does pay off.
Cheers,
Jordan
Excellent analysis of the difference between genotype and phenotype. Too many people use genetics as an excuse for not getting in shape. To me, that’s a lazy argument. Put in some effort and you might be surprised at the results you get.
Dave,
I know you are a big advocate of working smarter! Genetics are definately a lazy arguement.
Cheers,
Jordan
Jordan,
While you can’t ignore genetics, I believe your lifestyle plays a much bigger role in your overall appearance than your genes. In fact, I would say 90/10 or greater. I agree with Sam and Dave that anyone who blames genetics for not being able to get in shape is just using a cop out.
Alykhan
Jordan,
I think genetics have a role in what you look like but you can still train hard to get in “your” best shape. For instance, it may be difficult for someone that has John Goodman’s body type to get down to and look like Bruce Lee. That doesn’t mean that they can’t get lean and look incredible though. I think if anyone trains smart and consistent, they won’t have to make excuses about genetics because they will look great!
-Kelly
Great post Jordan. I really enjoy reading about genetics and how we can influence them. I really feel for people who are genetically prone to carry more fat, but like you explain it’s completely within our ability to change it. You just might have to work a little harder than the next guy.
I have a similar genetic issue with my skin. For whatever reason my skin breaks out almost immediately when I eat certain foods, while my siblings and friends could eat the same stuff and not get any reaction. So I made a big effort to avoid these foods. And guess what, my skin cleared up. I put in the effort, but I’d rather change my environment than sit around blaming my genetics.
Whoa great stuff here! I guess I’m on the same boat with everyone else in proclaiming my hate for the genetics excuse.
Tim Ferriss did a great job overcoming his genetic obstacles as he overcame his lack of fast-twitch muscle fibers to improve his vertical jump and 40yard dash. I really enjoyed that chapter in his book because he showed that anything is possible if you put in the work.
I agree with everyone here that genetics are important, but not the be all and end all.
The bottom line is that we need to find out just what it takes to get our desired look. Some people will have to work harder (like me), but accepting that was the best thing I have ever done.
You’re exactly right. It’s about figuring out yourself and your body – we are all different and accepting that can take you to the next level.