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[Genetic causes of obesity]
Teresia Wangensteen1, Dag Undlien, Serena Tonstad
1Avdeling for medisinsk genetikk, Ullevål universitetssykehus, og Institutt for medisinsk genetikk, Universitetet i Oslo. teresia.wangensteen@medisin.uio.no
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence body weight and obesity risk. Environmental changes exacerbate obesity in genetically predisposed individuals, highlighting the complex interplay between genes and lifestyle.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Human Physiology
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Overweight and obesity are escalating global health concerns.
- Both genetic predisposition and environmental factors contribute to obesity development.
- Understanding the genetic underpinnings of obesity is crucial for public health.
Purpose:
- To summarize the current understanding of the genetic aspects of overweight and obesity.
- To review identified monogenic disorders associated with severe obesity.
- To discuss the role of genetics in appetite regulation and energy balance.
Summary:
- Twin and family studies confirm substantial genetic influence on body weight.
- Monogenic obesity disorders, primarily affecting appetite regulation, have been identified.
- Melanocortin 4 receptor mutations are a common cause of severe obesity, while leptin deficiency has a specific treatment.
Impact:
- Advances in identifying monogenic obesity provide insights into appetite control mechanisms.
- Understanding genetic risk factors can inform personalized obesity prevention and treatment strategies.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular pathways of common obesity and associated Mendelian syndromes.