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Exercise Has Little Influence on Weight Loss and Cholesterol Level In Identical Twins

Posted: Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Dr. Paul T. William, lead investigator stated that, "people respond differently to diet, and one recommendation does not necessary fit everyone. Our twin study shows that genes largely determine whether a person can lower LDL-cholesterol ... by lowering their dietary fat."

Dr. Williams of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, California and colleagues enrolled 28 pairs of male monozygotic twins. In each pair, one twin ran an average of 50 km per week more than did the other.

In a crossover study, the twins went from a 6-week 40% fat diet to another 6 weeks of a 20% fat diet. Fat was reduced primarily by reducing both saturated and polyunsaturated fat from 14% to 4%. Carbohydrate intake was increased from 45% to 65%.

Despite the twins' difference in physical activity, there were significantly correlated changes in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-1 and body weight.

Increased dietary fat did not significantly change body weight, say the researchers. Although there was considerable variability in body responses, these alterations were significantly correlated within twin pairs.

"We were able to show the importance of genetics," Dr. Williams commented, "without having to first identify the specific genes involved." These data, he concluded, "justify more detailed studies that look for specific genes using DNA."

Source: Diabetes In Control.com: