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Gene-obesogenic environment interactions in the UK Biobank study
Jessica Tyrrell1,2, Andrew R Wood1, Ryan M Ames3
1Genetics of Complex Traits, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, UK.
International Journal of Epidemiology
|January 12, 2017
Summary
Modern obesogenic environments amplify genetic obesity risk, particularly in socially deprived areas. Relative social deprivation is a key environmental factor accentuating genetic susceptibility to high body mass index (BMI).
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Public Health
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Previous research suggests obesogenic environments exacerbate genetic predisposition to obesity.
- However, specific environmental factors that interact with genetic susceptibility to high body mass index (BMI) remain controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether high-risk obesogenic environments and behaviors amplify genetic susceptibility to obesity.
- To identify specific environmental measures that interact with genetic risk for obesity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized UK Biobank data from up to 120,000 adults.
- Assessed BMI as the outcome, using a 69-variant genetic risk score (GRS) for obesity.
- Examined 12 environmental exposures, including Townsend deprivation index (TDI), TV watching, diet, and physical activity, alongside negative controls.
Main Results:
- Significant gene-environment interactions were found with TDI (P=3×10⁻¹⁰), TV watching (P=7×10⁻⁵), and physical activity (P=5×10⁻⁶).
- Individuals in more deprived areas with higher genetic risk gained more weight compared to those in less deprived areas.
- Weaker interactions with negative controls suggest potential residual confounding.
Conclusions:
- The obesogenic environment accentuates obesity risk in genetically susceptible individuals.
- Relative social deprivation emerged as a significant environmental factor influencing genetic predisposition to obesity.