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Polygenic Risk and Nutrient Intake Interactions on Obesity Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of
Guiomar Masip1,2,3, Hannah Yang Han1, Tongzhu Meng1
1School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Summary
Interactions between genetic risk for obesity and nutrient intake show limited evidence. More research is needed to understand how diet and polygenic risk scores influence body weight.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Genetics
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Diet significantly influences body weight and can modify genetic predispositions to obesity.
- Understanding gene-diet interactions is crucial for developing effective obesity prevention and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing research on the interplay between polygenic risk and nutrient consumption in relation to obesity.
- To synthesize evidence on how genetic susceptibility, quantified by polygenic risk scores (PRS), interacts with dietary factors to affect obesity outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of major scientific databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) was conducted.
- Observational studies examining PRS-nutrient intake interactions on obesity metrics were included.
- Random effects meta-analyses focused on PRS interactions with total fat and protein intake on body mass index (BMI).
Main Results:
- Twenty-six publications from diverse ethnic groups were analyzed, with dietary fats and energy intake most frequently reported as interacting with PRS.
- Meta-analyses revealed no significant interactions between PRS and total fat or protein intake on BMI.
- Study quality was often low, heterogeneity was high, and PRS were predominantly derived from European ancestry samples.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence for interactions between polygenic risk and nutrient intake on obesity is scarce and inconsistent.
- Significant limitations in study quality and polygenic risk score characterization necessitate further investigation.
- Future research should aim to clarify the complex relationship between genetic factors and dietary patterns in obesity.
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