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Related Experiment Videos

Insights from the developing world: thrifty genotypes and thrifty phenotypes.

Andrew M Prentice1, Pura Rayco-Solon, Sophie E Moore

  • 1MRC International Nutrition Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK. Andrew.prentice@lshtm.ac.uk

The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
|June 18, 2005
PubMed
Summary

The obesity pandemic stems from a mismatch between modern environments and evolutionary pressures. Thrifty genes, adapted for famine, may increase obesity risk in affluent societies, particularly in developing regions.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Metabolic diseases
  • Human genetics

Background:

  • The global obesity pandemic is linked to a mismatch between modern environments and evolutionary pressures.
  • The 'thrifty genotype' and 'thrifty phenotype' hypotheses propose that adaptations for surviving famine may predispose individuals to obesity in affluent conditions.
  • Populations in developing regions may face increased risk of obesity and related conditions due to these evolutionary mismatches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the 'thrifty genotype' and 'thrifty phenotype' hypotheses in the context of obesity and co-morbidities.
  • To investigate candidate 'thrifty genes' involved in human energy balance.
  • To examine the potential role of specific genetic factors in populations at risk of obesity.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Reviewing the concept of 'thrifty genes' and their evolutionary basis.
  • Examining evidence linking 'thrifty' adaptations to metabolic diseases.
  • Investigating candidate genes in three areas: maternally-transmitted mitochondrial genes, uncoupling proteins, and apoE4.

Main Results:

  • Thrifty genes, selected for survival during famine, may confer a disadvantage in environments with abundant food.
  • Metabolic adaptations in fetuses (thrifty phenotype) can become detrimental in later life.
  • Geographical distribution of genes like apoE4 suggests a possible thrifty role in metabolism.

Conclusions:

  • The mismatch between evolutionary adaptations and modern environments is a key driver of the obesity pandemic.
  • Further research into candidate 'thrifty genes' is crucial for understanding obesity risk.
  • Populations in developing areas may be particularly vulnerable to obesity due to these evolutionary factors.