Gene-environment interactions in obesity: implication for future applications in preventive medicine

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Obesity Research
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Obesity is a complex condition influenced by environmental factors.
• Limited understanding exists regarding gene-environment interactions in obesity development.
• Genetic predisposition plays a role, but its interplay with lifestyle is not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gene-environment interactions in obesity.
• To examine the relationship between genetic risk score (GRS) and obesity-related lifestyle factors.
• To determine how genetic predisposition modifies the impact of lifestyle on body mass index (BMI).

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from a population-based prospective cohort study.
• Calculated a genetic risk score (GRS) based on East Asian ancestry single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
• Analyzed interactions between GRS and lifestyle factors including nutrition, alcohol intake, physical activity (metabolic equivalents-hour/day), and homeostasis model assessment ratio.

Main Results:

• The GRS was significantly associated with baseline BMI (P<0.001).
• Significant gene-environment interactions were found for six nutritional factors, alcohol intake, physical activity, and metabolic health markers.
• The GRS modified the effect of lifestyle factors on BMI, with varying BMI increases per unit intake depending on GRS.
• No significant correlation was observed between GRS and annual BMI changes during follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Lifestyle factors have differential effects on obesity based on an individual's genetic risk.
• The study highlights the importance of considering gene-environment interactions in obesity research.
• The employed methodology for evaluating gene-environment interaction holds potential for preventive medicine applications.