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Psychological responses to genetic testing for weight gain: a vignette study
Susanne F Meisel1, Catherine Walker, Jane Wardle
1Health Behavior Research Centre, University College London, London, UK. susanne.meisel.09@ucl.ac.uk
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|October 28, 2011
Summary
Genetic testing for obesity risk, specifically the FTO gene, can motivate individuals to change behaviors. Higher-risk results increased motivation with minimal negative emotional impact in study participants.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Genetic testing for obesity risk is becoming more accessible.
- Limited research exists on public reactions to obesity genetic risk information.
- The FTO gene is a key genetic factor associated with obesity risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate motivational and affective reactions to hypothetical "higher-risk" and "average-risk" FTO gene results.
- To compare reactions between individuals with weight concerns and a student sample.
- To assess the potential utility of genetic testing for obesity prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- A vignette study design was employed using hypothetical FTO gene risk results.
- Two distinct groups participated: individuals with weight concerns (panel sample) and university students.
- Participants responded to randomized "higher-risk" and "average-risk" FTO gene vignettes.
Main Results:
- Overall interest in genetic testing was high, particularly in the panel sample.
- Higher-risk FTO gene results increased motivation to change in both groups.
- Students reported slightly higher negative affect and fatalism with higher-risk results, unlike the panel sample.
Conclusions:
- Anticipated responses to FTO gene feedback suggest higher-risk results can positively motivate behavior change.
- Minimal increases in negative affect or fatalism were observed with higher-risk results.
- Genetic testing, when coupled with appropriate counseling, shows potential as a clinical and preventive tool for obesity.
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