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Minireview: human obesity-lessons from monogenic disorders.
Stephen O'Rahilly1, I Sadaf Farooqi, Giles S H Yeo
1University Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, United Kingdom. sorahill@hgmp.mrc.ac.uk
Endocrinology
|August 23, 2003
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence human fat mass and obesity risk. Identifying these genetic variants aids in understanding appetite control and developing targeted obesity therapies.
Area of Science:
- Human Genetics
- Obesity Research
- Metabolic Regulation
Background:
- Genetic factors profoundly influence human fat mass determination.
- Environmental factors also play a significant role in obesity prevalence.
- Twin and adoption studies have historically supported genetic influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the identification of human genes associated with obesity.
- To discuss the progress in identifying common genetic variants affecting fat mass.
- To highlight the future contributions of human genetics to obesity research and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic studies identifying mutations linked to severe obesity.
- Analysis of progress in discovering common genetic variants influencing fat mass.
- Synthesis of findings on genetic contributions to energy balance regulation.
Main Results:
- Major gene mutations causing severe, early-onset obesity have been identified.
- These mutations often disrupt appetite control mechanisms.
- Progress in identifying subtler genetic variants affecting fat mass is ongoing.
Conclusions:
- Human genetics is crucial for understanding obesity.
- Identifying genetic factors will lead to more targeted and effective obesity therapies.
- Genetic insights can predict individual responses to environmental factors and treatments.