By Ruth Kava, Ph.D., R.D.
Posted: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

LETTER
Publication Date: May 31, 2005

This letter appeared in the New York Times on May 31, 2005:

To the Editor:

Perhaps we should anticipate dedicated couch potatoes' pointing to information that genetic predisposition influences one's tendency to sit still or fidget ("New Weight-Loss Focus: The Lean and the Restless," May 24) as a rationale for being overweight.  ("I can't help it; it's genetic.")

But the real take-home message of this research is that some folks will have to make more of a conscious effort to move and burn calories than will those for whom it just comes naturally.  That the effort is worth it is beyond doubt.  Inactivity by itself can have deleterious health effects, even if obesity does not result.

Dr. Ruth Kava
New York

The writer is the director of nutrition for the American Council on Science and Health.