Worldwide Research Provides New Insight into Obesity and Genetics
The combined international efforts of 280 institutions, using data from a quarter of a million people around the world, have shed new light on the biology of obesity. A new set of genes associated with body fat distribution and obesity have been uncovered through these studies - which means new possibilities for treating obesity.
“These studies open the door to better understanding the mechanisms that lead to the most harmful forms of obesity, which can result in heart attack, stroke and diabetes,” said Dr. Robert Kaplan, a co-author of the studies.
Many important findings, correlating genetics with obesity, were made. In one study, a link between DNA sequence variations in 13 genetic regions and fat distribution was found. A person's fat distribution plays a significant role in their overall health; those who store fat in their midsections are at a greater risk for developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes than those who store fat below the waist. This study included 200,000 people.
In another study, 18 new genetic variations were discovered to be associated with obesity. This study included data from a total of 250,000 people. Eighteen new genetic regions associated with BMI were also discovered.
“Clearly, genetics is not the whole story when it comes to obesity, but genetics are important because they may help us in terms of finding new obesity treatments, which so far have proven disappointing,” Dr. Kaplan said.
