1 year ago
Study: Obesity's Variable Effects Linked to Genetics
Some people with obesity are healthy, while others get sick.
Scientists studied the genes of many people to find out why.
They found that some genes make people more likely to be obese, but less likely to get diabetes or heart disease.
This is because fat cells behave differently in different people.
These protective genes are even active in children, who may become obese, but not experience metabolic disease.
The researchers hope this information will help doctors predict who is at risk and develop new treatments, which might start in childhood.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from nearly half a million people.
They identified 205 genetic regions linked to higher body fat but better metabolic health.
A genetic risk score was developed to assess the impact of these variants.
Kids with protective variants were more likely to develop obesity, but not diseases.
The findings may help doctors predict and prevent obesity complications.
- Who
- Researchers from Mount Sinai and the University of Copenhagen.
- What
- Analyzed genetic data to understand why obesity affects individuals differently.
- Where
- The study was conducted in Denmark and the UK.
- When
- The study was recently published.
- Why
- To identify genetic factors that explain the varied health outcomes associated with obesity and to personalize care.
Key facts
- Study Participants
- 452,768 individuals
- Lead Researchers
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, University of Copenhagen
- Genetic Regions Found
- 205 regions linked to higher body fat
- Key Finding
- Certain genetic variants can lead to obesity without related health complications.
- Published In
- Nature Medicine
- Study Focus
- UK Biobank participants of European ancestry
Quotes
Nathalie Chami
Instructor of Environmental Medicine and Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, at the Icahn School
“By uncovering these genetic differences, we can start to understand why obesity leads to different health outcomes in different individuals. This could eventually change how we predict, prevent, and treat obesity and its complications.”
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“Our study shows that obesity is not a single condition -- it is made up of different subtypes, each with its own risks.”
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Dr. Chami
A researcher involved in the study
“These insights could eventually help doctors predict which patients are most vulnerable to complications and inform new treatments that mimic the protective genetic effects found in some people.”
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Zhe Wang
Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
“Most people with obesity still face health challenges, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise remain critical for overall health.”
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Ruth Loos
Professor at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark
“By revealing new biological pathways that separate obesity from related diseases, the findings may pave the way for more personalised care, better-targeted therapies, and earlier prevention strategies -- even from childhood.”
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