The FastDay Forum

A Swedish study reported in today's Daily Telegraph, original press release here and full study (and abstract) in PLOS Genetics (open access - kudos), found that even modest amount of exercise 'switch on' some of our DNA through 'DNA methylation' (epigenetics).

23 slightly overweight but healthy 35-year old men who were not previously getting significant exercise attended on average 1.8 fitness sessions per week over 6 months. They lost weight and waist, and had lower level of fat in their bloodstream, but more interestingly epigenetic changes were found in some 7000 (out of 20000-25000 total) genes. This included changes in genes related to type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study also tested genes in vitro and confirmed that deactivating certain genes resulted in changes in fat storage.

So this could be another key reason why exercise is so good for us!

Sorry I would write more but I'm off on my bike now...

So does that mean we could be making epigenetic changes to our genes with our fasting as well

So much information on this forum regarding the benefits of exercise and, five months into this WOE, I am still exercise-phobic. I live in the beautiful Lincolnshire Fens and don't even like to go for a walk! Perhaps, if I read enough about the importance of exercise, one day it will finally strike a chord and I will find a new WOL instead of just a WOE.

In the meantime, many thanks to you, Dominic, for all the information you share with us on the forum. I'm off into the garden now to tackle the weeds!

Stowgateresident gardening is exercise too

So does that mean we could be making epigenetic changes to our genes with our fasting as well

Good question, gillymary! I found someone who thinks so here, this is on a paleo website. Actually it seems that lots of things in our lives can probably cause epigenetic change, so I think it highly likely that fasting does.

So although you can't change your DNA, you can switch bits of it off and on. This is one of the hitherto-unknown ways in which something that is known to be good for us (exercise, in this case) actually does its good work.

Epigenetics / gene expression / methylation - seems to be a rapidly-developing science. More general info about it in a recent Independent article.

Stowgateresident gardening is exercise too

Good exercise too as its productive. I have little energy to spare so I like to make it count. I do a bit in the garden, which always makes me feel better, or I will sort out a cupboard or grotty corner that has been bugging me. It gets me off my backside and I have something to show for it at the end that gives me a sense of achievement.

Thank-you Dominic as I started walking same day as I started this WOE I'm positive it's helping with the amazing lost weight and fitness level because my walks are both easier + slightly quicker And with my (mass) I need all the help I can get along the way Sue

Thanks Dominic that top link was great and now I am off to read the second one. It's all rather fascinating and further points to IF being a good thing

So does this verify the old saying "Use it or lose it"?

So does this verify the old saying "Use it or lose it"?

Or maybe use it TO lose it.

A Swedish study reported in today's Daily Telegraph, original press release here and full study (and abstract) in PLOS Genetics (open access - kudos), found that even modest amount of exercise 'switch on' some of our DNA through 'DNA methylation' (epigenetics).

23 slightly overweight but healthy 35-year old men who were not previously getting significant exercise attended on average 1.8 fitness sessions per week over 6 months. They lost weight and waist, and had lower level of fat in their bloodstream, but more interestingly epigenetic changes were found in some 7000 (out of 20000-25000 total) genes. This included changes in genes related to type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study also tested genes in vitro and confirmed that deactivating certain genes resulted in changes in fat storage.

So this could be another key reason why exercise is so good for us!

Sorry I would write more but I'm off on my bike now...

Glad you brought this up...I read about the story earlier this week when it was reported in the Swedish press and was tempted to post it. Your post makes it more accessible and thanks for the link to the full study.Will read it before I take doggy out for his daily blast through the forest.

I think 'use it or lose it' applies to most things in life that we do, 'practice makes perfect' as they also say!!

Stowgateresident gardening is exercise too

Absolutely is!! Spent the morning pruning the roses and generally cutting back. Filled the recycling bin. It was a very good workout!

I have just found an article on the BBC website on The Fat Gene which also advocates exercise to help people predisposed to over eating.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23312712

Take a hard look at the results of that study. I seem to recall they got fatter with exercise, despite the gene magic.