Did you ever notice how people in your family have similar features? It may be the same type of nose, same face shape or eye color. That's because some body similarities are genetic and are passed down from generation to generation. This is known as heredity.

Most people already know that eye color, skin color, height and blood type are genetic. But most don’t know that body shape may be genetic as well. You may very well have your mother’s hips or your father’s big-boned thighs.    

Some diseases may also be genetic, meaning you inherited certain genes from either your mother or father that predispose you to certain medical conditions. Some of these genes may also be influenced by environmental factors, which is called multifactorial inheritance. Scientists believe the following are some conditions that fall into this category:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Arthritis
• Breast cancer
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity

Researchers continue to study possible genetic links to various health conditions. Recent studies conducted at the University of Florida show a possible genetic link between certain brain cells and why some people feel full faster than others after a meal. This type of research may help combat obesity in the future.