Researchers at the University of Maryland found out that even people who are genetically predisposed to weight gaining or obesity can take control of the situation. The lesson to be learned in this case comes for the Amish.

The study was led by Dr. Soren Snitker at the University of Maryland and included 704 members of the Amish community (average age 43.6 years, 53% male). Despite the fact that the Amish have a diet rich in fats, calories and refined sugar, they still manage to avoid obesity. The key element is their level of physical activity. The study showed that an Amish man makes about 18,000 steps each day, while an Amish woman steps 14,000 a day.

Most Amish work in farming, an activity which requires lots of manual work, said Evadnie Rampersaud research professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Rampersaud, the study’s lead author, said that even the household activities are more demanding because Amish don’t take advantage from modern-day conveniences.

Among other tests, researchers studied the daily movement of the 704 Amish people during one week by using accelerometers.

However, researchers came to the conclusion that even the Amish people who had the FTO gene (associated with obesity and high body mass index) avoided being obese.

"The studies show that if you have two copies of the gene and you’re incorporating physical activity in your daily life, you’re less likely to become obese," says Rampersaud.

"This tells us that we’re not doomed by our genes."

At least 50% of people of European descent have at least one variant of the obesity gene (FTO). However, of the Amish included in the study, some had two copies of the heavy FTO variant, but still managed to avoid being overweight. The most physically active were able to remain within a normal BMI range despite the fact that they were genetically predisposed.