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Genetic contributions to human obesity.

A J Stunkard1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-3246.

Research Publications - Association for Research in Nervous and Mental Disease
|January 1, 1991
PubMed
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Genetic factors significantly influence human obesity, as demonstrated by adoption and twin studies. These studies reveal a strong heritability of body mass index, even in individuals separated at birth.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Human Physiology
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • Historically, genetic influences on human obesity were poorly understood, with assumptions largely based on animal models.
  • Previous research lacked robust human data, relying heavily on extrapolations from non-human studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic underpinnings of human obesity.
  • To establish the heritability of body mass index (BMI) in human populations.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a Danish adoption study correlating adoptee BMI with biological and adoptive parents.
  • Utilized a twin study to assess heritability of BMI at different ages.
  • Performed bivariate analysis on identical twins to examine environmental influences on obesity.
  • Analyzed data from the Swedish Adoption Study of Aging, focusing on identical twins reared apart.

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Main Results:

  • Adoption studies showed high BMI correlation between adoptees and biological parents, but not adoptive parents.
  • Twin studies indicated very high heritability of BMI at ages 20 and 45.
  • Obese twins exhibited lower intrapair correlations, suggesting environmental impact on genetically susceptible individuals.
  • Swedish Adoption Study confirmed high heritability estimates, indicating minimal overestimation by traditional twin studies.

Conclusions:

  • Human obesity has a substantial genetic component, strongly influencing body mass index.
  • Environmental factors play a significant role, particularly for individuals with a genetic predisposition to obesity.
  • Adoption and twin studies provide reliable estimates of BMI heritability.