Thwarting our genetic dispositions in how we save and how we get fat.

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The self-help dimension to Mean Genes resides in the range of devices the authors recommend to thwart our genetic predispositions and align our behavior more closely with the conditions in which we now live. For example, our ability to save can be bolstered by having multiple bank accounts, with some accounts being hard to access, or by carrying less cash, or by buying property. In much the same way, food temptations can be pre-empted by filling up on low-fat foods if we know we are going to be exposed to high-fat offerings, or by not having unhealthy foods in the house. We can even turn our unfriendly genes against themselves: we will exercise more if we buy expensive exercise equipment because the propensity to conserve energy also makes us reluctant to waste money.