Genetic Variants Offer Insights into Why Obesity Affects Individuals Differently

Recent research led by teams from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the University of Copenhagen has uncovered genetic factors that help explain the variability in how obesity impacts different people. Published in Nature Medicine, the study analyzed genetic data from over 450,000 participants and identified key genetic regions associated with higher body fat that also correlate with better metabolic health outcomes. This discovery has led to the development of a genetic risk score, which predicts an individual's likelihood of developing obesity while also indicating a lower risk of complications such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. Interestingly, these protective genetic effects are observable even in children, suggesting that certain genes influence how fat is stored and behaves in the body, impacting health risks from an early age.

The researchers found that obesity is not a uniform condition but comprises distinct subtypes driven by genetic differences. Understanding these subtypes could enhance the accuracy of predicting who is at higher risk for metabolic complications. The study emphasizes that lifestyle factors like diet and exercise remain crucial for health, regardless of genetic predisposition. Future research aims to explore more diverse populations and uncover new biological pathways separating obesity from its related health problems. These findings pave the way for personalized treatment approaches and early intervention strategies, potentially transforming how obesity and its associated risks are managed in the future.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-genetic-variants-obesity-affects-people.html