The Author
Introduction
Physical exercise is a crucial factor in a healthy lifestyle among people of all ages. However, not everyone is equally motivated to exercise. Those with little motivation are often categorized as “couch potatoes,” whereas the highly motivated are often referred to as “gym rats”. So one may ask, what affects an individual's enjoyment and motivation to get active in the gym? Recent studies suggest that genetics may play a significant role in determining whether a person likes or dislikes exercising.
Chemicals Released During Exercise
Whenever an individual exercises, their brain produces hormones that are known as "reward" chemicals. Scientifically, these chemicals are known as neurotransmitters and consist of dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, etc.. Specifically in this research, the focus is on dopamine. Dopamine is released in response to pleasurable activities and is linked to feelings of reward and pleasure. During exercise, dopamine is released in various regions of the brain. One area of the brain includes the striatum, which is involved in the control of movement. Additionally, the prefrontal cortex is associated with decision-making and cognitive function. Once the reward chemicals are released, they bind to receptors and alter the way the mind and body feel and give a positive feeling to the individual, which is popularly known as "runners' high". This process of exercise and chemical release results in a reinforcement of positive feelings associated with exercise. It has been shown in studies that about 25% of people do not experience the runner's high, so what about the other 75%?
Is It In Your Genes
Do you ever wonder if you can blame being a couch potato or gym rat on your own personal interests, or the genes you inherited from your parents? Studies have identified specific genes that are associated with a person's likelihood of finding pleasure in physical activity. One such gene is the DRD2 gene, which produces dopamine receptors in the brain. Individuals with a particular variant of the DRD2 gene are more likely to experience the well-known "runner's high" and enjoy physical exercise. Unfortunately, mutations can happen to this gene that results in the hindrance of dopamine production and activity leading to psychiatric and psychotic effects. This mutation may be passed down to the parent's offspring and affect the youth. Along with the DRD2 gene, several other genes also affect the production of hormones and chemicals that may be mutated, have a negative effect on the individual, and be passed down to offspring.
How Do Genes Affect Decision-Making?
Would you rather run three miles knowing that you will have a sense of euphoria after, or feel like you have just been hit by a truck? Obviously, your decision on whether or not you want to do that exercise will slightly depend on how you know you will feel after it. If a person inherits genes that hinder the production and reception of hormones such as dopamine, they will be less inclined to participate in exercise activities. This is expected because, after exercise, no gratification would be received by the individual. As a result, no reward cycle is developed to motivate that person to want to work out again. Those who did not inherit the dopamine-interfering genes will be more likely to participate in exercise. This is because after exercising, they will experience a runner's high, positive feeling. Once done exercising and the runner's high fades away, the person will crave to have that "high" again. As a result, that individual will most likely exercise to experience that feeling again. Therefore, the genes a person inherits do affect their enjoyment and likelihood of exercising.
Conclusion
Ultimately, genetics is one of the leading factors contributing to an individual's love or hatred towards physical exercise. Although components such as environmental influences play a role, substantial research is known about the biological processes that occur during exercises and how genetics can affect those processes. In summary, research has found that some people inherit genes that inhibit the body from producing substantial reward chemicals to motivate a person to want to work out. These findings may help future scientists in developing ways to help increase the production of hormones or create more hormone receptors. By doing so, scientists could help those who do not experience a runner's high, often those who are obese. Therefore, helping to fight obesity and overall make people healthy.
References
Cristol, H. (2023, July 19). What is Dopamine?. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-dopamine
Siebers, M., Biedermann, S. V., & Fuss, J. (2023, June). Do endocannabinoids cause the runner’s high? evidence and open questions. The Neuroscientist : a review journal bringing neurobiology, neurology and psychiatry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10159215/#:~:text=Interestingly%2C%20it%20seems%20that%20not,%3B%20Siebers%20and%20others%202021).
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, April 11). DRD2 dopamine receptor D2 [ Homo sapiens (human) ]. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/1813
Comments