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Genetic influences on central abdominal fat: a twin study
D G Carey1, T V Nguyen, L V Campbell
1Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia. d.carey@garvan.unsw.edu.au
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence central abdominal obesity, a key indicator of metabolic risks. This study reveals that approximately 70% of the variance in abdominal fat is inherited, highlighting its role in familial disease aggregation.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Metabolic Health
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Central abdominal obesity is clinically significant, linked to insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- While genetics influence BMI and total body fat, inheritance of central adiposity remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic contribution to regional fat distribution.
- To assess genetic effects on metabolic parameters associated with fat distribution.
Main Methods:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured total body, central abdominal (C-abd), and non-abdominal fat in female twins.
- Genetic analyses were performed on 50 monozygotic (MZ) and 36 dizygotic (DZ) twins, before and after adjusting for age and total body fat.
Main Results:
- A significant genetic influence was found on total fat, C-abd fat, and non-abdominal fat.
- After adjustment for age and total body fat, approximately 70% of the population variance in C-abd fat was attributed to independent genetic factors (rMZ = 0.61 vs rDZ = 0.40, p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- The majority of inter-subject variation in central abdominal fat among non-obese individuals is genetically determined.
- Inheritance of abdominal obesity may contribute to the familial clustering of metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.