In Scientific Reports, experts at the Washington State University found that a regular exercise regime can affect the molecules in the body that helps instruct how genes behave.
The twins study began by gathering cheek swabs of 70 pairs of identical twins who took part in an exercise regime.
Data was collected between 2012 and 2019.
“The pairs discordant in PA levels had epigenetic alterations that correlated with reduced metabolic parameters (i.e., BMI and waist circumference),” according to researches. “The DNA methylation sites are associated with over fifty genes previously found to be specific to vigorous PA, metabolic risk factors, and sex.”
“Combined observations demonstrate that behavioral factors, such as physical activity, appear to promote systemic epigenetic alterations that impact metabolic risk factors.”
“The epigenetic DNA methylation sites and associated genes identified provide insight into PA impacts on metabolic parameters and the etiology of obesity.”
