Article analysis

Article: “The Truth About Genetics and Muscle Gain – What Really Matters Most” by Andrew Tracey

Website: Men’s Health

Date of publication: 26 August 2025

Summary:

            This article talks about a long-debated topic in the world of Sports and fitness. Many competitive individuals, whether they are bodybuilders, professional athletes, or long-distance runners, discuss and debate the idea that one is genetically predisposed to have a specific limit on their muscle types/performance. This article quickly cuts to the chase, arguing that genetics indeed plays a significant role in how easily we can build muscle, lose fat, and how our body responds to diet and training. This is caused by multiple genetic factors, including the number of fast-twitch muscle fibers we have, the amount of testosterone we produce, and the efficiency of our metabolisms. However, it argues that this genetic predisposition is simply a factor; although it may be significant, it suggests that it can be overcome. The article states, “Numerous twin studies have shown that while genetics can account for somewhere between 40% and 70% of your body's response to training, that still leaves a massive chunk down to the choices you make: how hard you train, how mindfully you eat, and how consistently you do both.” (Men’s Health UK, 2025). Although genetics plays a role, you shouldn't be discouraged and give up. Muscle growth still requires progressive overload, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition. If you don't see results quickly, it's not due to genetics; instead, it's a result of a lack of discipline and patience. One of the most significant factors of genetics is that it influences the appearance of your muscles. As well as how fast certain muscle groups may grow. Certain rare genetic predispositions can significantly impact fitness and hypertrophy, such as myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy, as well as genetic disorders that can alter both spectrums of health and wellness, including hormone imbalances. The article concludes with a disclaimer: If you suspect a health concern, please consult your medical provider. The last line concludes with So yes, genetics matter. But not as much as you think. (Men’s Health UK, 2025).

Analysis:

            This article does not discuss specific genotypes but effectively highlights the phenotypic outcomes of genetics. Saying that our physical makeup and the potential that it has are primarily genetic. This article is accurate mainly in its core idea that genetics plays a role in our physical capabilities and limitations. This idea is supported by articles such as "Genetic aspects of skeletal muscle strength and mass with relevance to sarcopenia" by Stephen Roth and "Genes and Weightlifting Performance" by Kikuchi, N et al. Roth suggests that “Skeletal muscle is a highly heritable quantitative trait, with heritability estimates ranging 30–85% for muscle strength and 50–80% for lean mass. (Roth, 2016). This does contradict the claim of this article; however, the core argument remains intact from the article's perspective.

References:

Men’s Health UK. (2025, September [insert exact day if available]). Genetics and muscle growth. Men’s Health. https://www.menshealth.com/uk/building-muscle/a65897622/genetics-muscle-growth/

Roth S. M. (2012). Genetic aspects of skeletal muscle strength and mass with relevance to sarcopenia. BoneKEy reports, 1, 58. https://doi.org/10.1038/bonekey.2012.58

Kikuchi, N., Moreland, E., Homma, H., Semenova, E. A., Saito, M., Larin, A. K., Kobatake, N., Yusupov, R. A., Okamoto, T., Nakazato, K., Williams, A. G., Generozov, E. V., & Ahmetov, I. I. (2021). Genes and Weightlifting Performance. Genes, 13(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13010025