Genetics provide the “structural framework,” if you will, for making us who we are — human being vs. another species of living organism; tall vs. short; blue eyes vs. brown; Black vs. White vs. Chinese. . . .

Beyond that, while our genetic history may predispose us to “more easily” express traits — i.e. fat gain/loss or darkened skin (think transformation from pale to tan) –
many of these traits aren’t expressed until the body requires it for function and, ultimately, survival. (Assuming that genetic mutation isn’t involved, of course.)

Essentially, our genes function under the “nature vs. nurture” argument often discussed in psychology. The “nature” of our DNA is what makes us fundamentally who we are, and can’t be controlled or changed. How we “nurture” ourselves, however, will determine if whether or not any of the information on our 30,000 genes(!!) gets translated and utilized by our body.