Conclusions: Genes are not destiny and environmental factors may offset the effects of obesity-promoting genes. Public health efforts to counteract genetic effects on body mass may begin as early as in utero.

Do genes determine our future?

All of that does suggest our genes can affect our future. But we also know that human development stems from a complex interaction of the genes we inherit and the environments we encounter. Nature and nurture combine to make us who we are.

Does DNA control your destiny?

Your DNA is not your destiny — or a good predictor of your health. Summary: In most cases, your genes have less than five per cent to do with your risk of developing a particular disease, according to new research.