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Researchers have identified a common genetic variant that increases the risk of obesity in children.
In a study published in Obesity Researchers at Columbia University have discovered that a specific variant (single nucleotide polymorphism) of a gene called "FTO" affects dietary behaviors that can predict subsequent weight gain in children at risk of obesity.
"Early identification of physiology and behaviors that are early risk factors for subsequent weight gain will help inform best practices in childhood intervention and prevention of obesity," said the author of the study, Michael Rosenbaum, a professor at Columbia University.
"This study shows that even before the development of an obese phenotype, children at risk, in this case due to a common genetic variant, have an increased dietary intake," added Rosenbaum.
For the study, researchers included 122 children aged 5 to 10 years.
The study found that children at risk of obesity due to this genetic variant absorbed more calories, which could contribute to excess weight.
"Even though 65 calories do not represent a lot in themselves, if this trend became more common in many meals a week or a day, this increased caloric intake could accumulate over time and contribute to excess weight gain," he said. Rosenbaum.
According to the researchers, the report could be used to further study children at risk of obesity for other reasons.
"The ultimate goal is to prevent the child at risk or the obese from becoming an obese adult," said Rosenbaum.
About 70% of the human population carries at least one variant of this polymorphism, badociated with an increased risk of obesity.
Posted on: May 24, 2019 at 16:44
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