'Genetics may favor unfavorable outcomes for individuals with obesity'
In a groundbreaking study led by Professor Sadaf Farooqi at the Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, researchers have uncovered new insights into the genetic factors that influence weight loss and maintenance. The findings, published in the journal PLOS Genetics, suggest that weight loss difficulties may be partly genetic, offering hope for the development of new therapies for obesity.
The study analyzed the DNA of a total of 14,040 people, including 1,622 thin participants, 1,985 people with "severe early-onset obesity," and a further 10,433 control participants whose weight was within the normal range. The research reveals that people with obesity have a higher genetic score, while slim individuals have a significantly lower genetic risk score.
One of the key genetic factors affecting weight loss and maintenance is metabolic rate. People with a genetic predisposition to obesity often have metabolisms that burn fewer calories at rest, making weight loss a challenging task. Furthermore, when they lose weight, their metabolism can slow even more, making it especially hard to maintain weight loss.
Another significant factor is fat storage efficiency. Genetic variants can program the body to store fat more efficiently and resist losing it, biologically favouring retaining weight rather than shedding it. Additionally, genetics can affect the brain’s regulation of hunger and fullness, making some individuals feel hungrier or less satisfied after eating, thus increasing the challenge to control food intake despite efforts.
The study also highlights the heritability of obesity, with studies estimating that 40% to 70% of adult obesity risk is genetic, involving hundreds of genes that influence energy expenditure, appetite, and fat accumulation. Obesity can be monogenetic, polygenetic, or syndromic, each involving different combinations of genes.
Moreover, the study reveals that variants affect not only baseline metabolism but also responses to overfeeding, diet type, and physical activity. For instance, some genes may impact how insulin resistance develops in overweight individuals.
In summary, the study underscores the role of genetics in the variability of weight loss success among individuals. Understanding these genetic influences is crucial for developing personalized weight management strategies.
The research compares the genetic makeup of people who are overweight with that of people who are thin, offering a unique perspective on the genetic factors that contribute to weight loss difficulties. The study is believed to be the first genetic association study to also examine thin and healthy individuals.
As the battle against obesity continues, the findings of this study could pave the way for new weight loss strategies and therapies, tailored to an individual's unique genetic makeup. With almost 93 million adults in the United States having obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the potential impact of these discoveries is significant.
- The groundbreaking study led by Professor Sadaf Farooqi at the Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, revealed that obesity has a higher genetic score, suggesting that genetics play a significant role in chronic diseases like obesity, medical-conditions, and health-and-wellness, particularly in the realm of weight-management and nutrition.
- The research uncovered that one key genetic factor affecting weight loss and maintenance is metabolic rate, as individuals with a genetic predisposition to obesity often have metabolisms that burn fewer calories at rest, making it difficult to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Furthermore, the study highlighted that genetics can affect the brain’s regulation of hunger and fullness, causing some individuals to feel hungrier or less satisfied after eating, which can increase the challenge to control food intake, and ultimately lead to obesity, one of the major chronic diseases associated with numerous medical-conditions and health-and-wellness concerns.
