Archive · 27 Jul 2025
Indian Genetics Study: Tailored Obesity Solutions Needed
Scientists studied obesity in India and found that the usual tests used in Europe don't work as well.
They created a new test just for Indians.
They discovered that diet, exercise, and specific nutrients are more helpful for Indians at risk of obesity than what works for Europeans.
They found that kids with a higher risk of obesity respond better to lifestyle changes.
This means doctors can help prevent health problems early on by using these new methods, which could lower the chances of getting diseases linked to obesity.
A study by CSIR-CCMB suggests lifestyle interventions are more effective for Indians with genetic obesity risk.
The research indicates significant genetic differences in obesity risk between Indian and European populations.
Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) accuracy is lower for Indians compared to Europeans.
Indians with higher genetic obesity risk respond well to lifestyle interventions but face weight regain.
A region-specific PRS model for Indians can predict adult obesity by age five, improving early detection.
- Who
- Researchers from CSIR-CCMB and other institutions, led by Dr. Giriraj Ratan Chandak and Assistant Professor Roelof Smit, conducted the study.
- What
- A study revealed lifestyle interventions are more effective for Indians with genetic obesity risk.
- When
- The research was recently conducted.
- Where
- The study was led by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) in Hyderabad, India.
- Why
- To develop more effective obesity prevention and treatment strategies tailored to the Indian population.
Generic Global Approaches
Lifestyle-Based Interventions
Effectiveness
Generic Global Approaches
Less effective for Indians with genetic risks.
Lifestyle-Based Interventions
More effective for European populations.
- Lead Institution
- CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad
- Focus
- Obesity in Indian populations
- Key Finding
- Lifestyle interventions more effective than global approaches for those at genetic risk.
- PRS Accuracy
- Lower in Indians than Europeans
- Benefit
- Early detection of obesity, improving health outcomes.