"It doesn't make any difference what I eat. Weight problems just run in my family. It's all genetic." These are common excuses, but genetic research has just shot them down in flames. Genes do influence our size and shape, but studies clearly show that if you change your diet and lifestyle, you can override hereditary effects to a great degree. Contrary to popular understanding, genes are not dictators; they are committees. They do not give orders; they make suggestions. You can counteract you.