Ana Pena, PhD,  —

Researchers have developed a statistical model to better estimate how the interaction between genetic and environmental factors can affect obesity risk, potentially helping public health authorities to focus on specific environmental factors to mitigate this risk. The study, “Quantification of the overall contribution of gene-environment interaction for obesity-related traits,”…

A variation in the apolipoprotein type 2 (APOA2) gene appears to specifically associate with low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or ‘good’ cholesterol, and low levels of a key protein, apolipoprotein 1 (APOA1), in overweight or obese people, a study reports. Knowing what predisposes overweight and obese people…

Eight genetic variants at the TBX15 gene likely impact a person’s risk of obesity or osteoporosis, with five of the variants increasing the likelihood of having excess weight but also potentially offering protection against osteoporosis, a condition that…

People’s body mass index (BMI) during their early 20s is a much better predictor of weight gain and obesity in the future than modern genetic risk scores, a study found. The researchers recommended caution to doctors basing medical advice on genetic risk data, and to consumers…

Variations in two genes, called CERS3 and CYP2E1, may predispose Mexican children to a higher body mass index (BMI) and obesity, a study found. This study was the first to examine the genetic risk factors for increased BMI and percentage of body fat among children in Mexico,…

Being born heavier than normal adds to a person’s genetic risk for being overweight or becoming obese during adulthood, a study suggests. The findings indicate that genes interact with the environment in the uterus to determine the likelihood of becoming obese. As such, a person’s genetic predisposition for obesity may…

Having a genetic cause of obesity does not lessen the efficacy of bariatric surgery as a way of losing weight, a study reports. Although this study suggests equal effectiveness for this surgery in obese patients with and without a genetic cause, weight loss was lesser in people…

People with a greater genetic risk for obesity are more likely to have one of the leading causes of death, which include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, kidney failure, and liver disease, a study reports. Importantly, the impact of this genetic risk on…

Depression increases the likelihood of gaining excess weight and aggravates the role that genetics plays in people with a high body mass index (BMI), a large study from the U.K. reports. MC4R, a gene involved in genetic disorders of obesity, seems to be an important link between…

Genetic risk of obesity appears to influence how much weight a person loses after bariatric surgery, with people genetically prone to slimness losing less weight after the procedure, a study suggests. In the future, genetic risk scores may help clinicians choose treatment strategies for patients with morbid obesity. The…