Recently I watched a health feature on my local evening news that not only captured my attention, but also left me deep in thought about the subject matter. It was a piece about our nation's obesity epidemic with an interesting twist to it.

The reporter announced that researchers now have an explanation as to why Americans are getting heavier and heavier. They've discovered that genes can play a role. While the experts acknowledge that 66 percent of adults and 17 percent of children in the US are overweight, and that overeating and lack of exercise probably are the biggest contributors to this growing problem, breakthroughs in the lab may explain why some people have an impossible time staying slim.

Several groups of scientists now believe people may be predestined to have weight issues from the moment of conception. In fact, several genes that can affect obesity were discovered, and at least 11 genetic mutations that may cause people to overeat have been identified. Interestingly enough, experts determined the real value in these findings was to get a better understanding of the physical mechanisms that contribute to weight gain so people can lose weight and keep it off.

One of the geneticists was quoted as saying, "It's not so easy to change our genes but we can change our environment and that's one of the things we will start to see from these studies." The investigators concluded that having children adopt healthy eating and exercise habits during the first few years of life, and getting parents to practice the same skills, was the key to successful weight management.

I couldn't believe what I heard. Did scientists really carry out all of those extensive studies to come to the conclusion that in order to lose weight and keep it off, people have to watch what they eat and exercise? Let's face it; these facts have been common knowledge for quite some time.

I had mixed feelings after this segment ended. I wondered what message the audience took away from this broadcast. Did they focus on the fact that while we can't control our family's backgrounds, we can modify our lifestyles and teach our kids healthy habits? Or did viewers only hear about the "fat genes and mutations" and rationalize that their fates were sealed before birth. Their parents were fat, they are fat, and their children will be fat as well. There's nothing they can do. It's destiny.