More often than not, obesity is the result of excessive eating and little exercise. But since 2007, scientists have also known that a faulty FTO gene also plays a part on whether someone will gain weight or not.  

The FTO gene determines a person's metabolism and how he or she stores fat. Researchers from MIT and Harvard have discovered how having the FTO gene can actually lead to some people to weigh about 7 pounds more than others. Their discovery and subsequent experiments done have suggested that a drug that cures obesity might be developed in the future.

Luckily, people don't really need to wait for that far-off future. Studies have also shown that doubling the serving of certain superfoods can help "turn off" or block this fat gene and activate it instead to burn fat instead of storing it. A new research discussed in the book Zero Belly Diet by David Zinczenko showcases the foods that switch off the fat gene.

Here are five foods that turn off the fat gene:

Quinoa

It has been proven that eating whole grains is one sure-fire way to start losing belly fat and quinoa is the best at this. The grain is a complete protein, carrying the full monty of amino acids that are needed for muscle building and fat loss. Quinoa is also high in lysine, an amino acid that helps burn fat and restores bones and skin to health.

Green Tea

Drinking one or two cups of green tea a day is also another way to boost the fat meltdown. Green tea controls blood sugar and eliminates hunger. It also boosts how fast calories are burnt, especially when combined with exercise.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a known superfood. But what's not commonly known is that aside from being loaded with polyphenols — compounds that prevent fat from forming — blueberries also actively burn belly fat. The theory is that the catechins in the fruit activate the fat-burning gene.  Plus, the skins of blueberries are replete with ursolic acid, which can build muscles.

 Beef

A protein like beef is said to be the nemesis of belly fat and the building block of a toned belly. Aside from being filling, eating beef causes the body to expend more calories in order to digest it. About 25 calories are expended for every 100 calories of beef eaten.

Spices

Master chefs have long known that the right spices make the dish. Using different spices can help cut down as much as 1000 mg of salt from a person's daily diet. Spices also have other health benefits. Mustard seeds have high anti-cancer compounds while cinnamon has been proven to improve a person's insulin response. Turmeric has been known to reduce fat storage as well.

Of course, just eating superfoods that turn-off the fat gene isn't enough. Daily exercise, getting enough  sleep, drinking enough water and other healthy habits are also essential.