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Economic Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Can genetics predict obesity? New study may help spot risk in kids before it is too late
Synopsis A new study introduces ancestry-specific polygenic risk scores that double the effectiveness of predicting adult obesity risk compared to current methods. Analyzing genetic data from over 5 million individuals, the tool identifies those at risk early in childhood. While genetics play a role, lifestyle and environmental factors remain crucial in addressing the global obesity epidemic. iStock A new study introduces ancestry-specific polygenic risk scores that double the effectiveness of predicting adult obesity risk compared to current methods. (Image :iStock) Imagine knowing whether your child may be at risk for obesity—not years after weight gain begins, but long before it shows. A groundbreaking new study published in Nature Medicine suggests this could soon be possible, thanks to a genetic tool called polygenic risk scores (PGS).Led by over 600 scientists from 500 institutions worldwide, and drawing data from The Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium and 23andMe, the study analyzed genetic information from more than 5 million individuals. Their goal? To develop a more precise way to predict a person's likelihood of developing obesity, starting from childhood. Current obesity risk tools largely rely on family history, diet, and lifestyle. But this study's new ancestry-specific and multi-ancestry polygenic risk scores proved about twice as effective in predicting obesity in adulthood compared to existing people of European ancestry, for example, the score accounted for 17.6% of an individual's risk of developing a high Body Mass Index (BMI)—a key indicator of obesity. The study included a broad participant base: 70% had European ancestry, 14.4% were Hispanic, 8.4% East Asian, 4.6% African, and 1.5% South while the tool is promising, it isn't a crystal ball. 'Obesity is not only about genetics,' said Dr. Ruth Loos, study co-author and professor at the University of Copenhagen's Novo Nordisk Foundation Center, in an interview with NBC News. 'Genetics alone can never accurately predict obesity… other factors, such as lifestyle, need to be part of the predictions.' The urgency behind such research is clear. Obesity is now considered one of the world's fastest-growing public health threats. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data: In 2022, 2.5 billion adults were overweight, including over 890 million with obesity. Childhood obesity is skyrocketing—35 million children under five were overweight in 2024, and over 390 million adolescents aged 5–19 were overweight in 2022. Obesity was a factor in 3.7 million global deaths in 2021 alone. Perhaps more troubling is the shift in obesity prevalence from wealthier nations to low- and middle-income countries, where children face a 'double burden' of both undernutrition and rising obesity rates. The WHO warns that these children often live in environments where high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods are cheap and accessible, but healthier choices and safe spaces for exercise are is much more than a number on a scale. It increases the risk of nearly 200 diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and certain cancers. For children, the stakes are even higher: obesity not only impacts their physical and mental health but also academic performance and social wellbeing due to stigma and childhood obesity often carries into adulthood, setting the stage for chronic illness and shorter lifespans. 'Children with obesity are very likely to be adults with obesity,' notes the WHO. While genetic scores like the one developed in this study could revolutionize early detection, experts caution that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention, told USA TODAY that effective obesity prevention must address broader social determinants of health—including access to healthcare, nutritious food, physical activity, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends multifaceted strategies: from medication and surgery for treatment, to policy-driven efforts ensuring access to healthy food, safe physical environments, and stigma-free support systems.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Can genetics predict obesity? New study may help spot risk in kids before it is too late
Imagine knowing whether your child may be at risk for obesity—not years after weight gain begins, but long before it shows. A groundbreaking new study published in Nature Medicine suggests this could soon be possible, thanks to a genetic tool called polygenic risk scores (PGS). Led by over 600 scientists from 500 institutions worldwide, and drawing data from The Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium and 23andMe, the study analyzed genetic information from more than 5 million individuals. Their goal? To develop a more precise way to predict a person's likelihood of developing obesity, starting from childhood. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category PGDM Public Policy Degree Artificial Intelligence Project Management Finance healthcare Digital Marketing Technology Leadership Data Science others MBA MCA Others Data Analytics CXO Healthcare Cybersecurity Data Science Management Product Management Operations Management Design Thinking Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis & Decision Making Quantitative & Analytical Skills Organizational Management & Leadership Innovation & Entrepreneurship Duration: 24 Months IMI Delhi Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Online) Starts on Sep 1, 2024 Get Details What the Study Found Current obesity risk tools largely rely on family history, diet, and lifestyle. But this study's new ancestry-specific and multi-ancestry polygenic risk scores proved about twice as effective in predicting obesity in adulthood compared to existing assessments. In people of European ancestry, for example, the score accounted for 17.6% of an individual's risk of developing a high Body Mass Index (BMI)—a key indicator of obesity. The study included a broad participant base: 70% had European ancestry, 14.4% were Hispanic, 8.4% East Asian, 4.6% African, and 1.5% South Asian. But while the tool is promising, it isn't a crystal ball. 'Obesity is not only about genetics,' said Dr. Ruth Loos, study co-author and professor at the University of Copenhagen's Novo Nordisk Foundation Center, in an interview with NBC News. 'Genetics alone can never accurately predict obesity… other factors, such as lifestyle, need to be part of the predictions.' You Might Also Like: This one food habit could shield you from arthritis, obesity and diabetes. Science backs what Indian kitchens always knew The Global Obesity Epidemic The urgency behind such research is clear. Obesity is now considered one of the world's fastest-growing public health threats. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data: In 2022, 2.5 billion adults were overweight, including over 890 million with obesity. Childhood obesity is skyrocketing—35 million children under five were overweight in 2024, and over 390 million adolescents aged 5–19 were overweight in 2022. Obesity was a factor in 3.7 million global deaths in 2021 alone. Perhaps more troubling is the shift in obesity prevalence from wealthier nations to low- and middle-income countries, where children face a 'double burden' of both undernutrition and rising obesity rates. The WHO warns that these children often live in environments where high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods are cheap and accessible, but healthier choices and safe spaces for exercise are not. Why Early Detection Matters Obesity is much more than a number on a scale. It increases the risk of nearly 200 diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and certain cancers. For children, the stakes are even higher: obesity not only impacts their physical and mental health but also academic performance and social wellbeing due to stigma and bullying. Importantly, childhood obesity often carries into adulthood, setting the stage for chronic illness and shorter lifespans. 'Children with obesity are very likely to be adults with obesity,' notes the WHO. You Might Also Like: Are you really obese? Experts challenge BMI as only measure of obesity, propose new guidelines for better health What Can Be Done? While genetic scores like the one developed in this study could revolutionize early detection, experts caution that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention, told USA TODAY that effective obesity prevention must address broader social determinants of health—including access to healthcare, nutritious food, physical activity, and education. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends multifaceted strategies: from medication and surgery for treatment, to policy-driven efforts ensuring access to healthy food, safe physical environments, and stigma-free support systems.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
A new genetic test may be able to predict obesity in early childhood. What to know
More than 2 out of 5 adults in the U.S. are considered obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But what if there was a way to test children to find out if they're at higher risk for contracting the chronic condition while still having time to change their lifestyle? In a study published July 21 in the journal Nature Medicine, more than 600 scientists from 500 institutions worldwide compiled genetic data from more than 5 million people. Using data collected by The Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium – an international collaboration of human genetics researchers and 23andMe – a genetic measure known as polygenic risk scores (PGS) was developed to help identify children at higher risk of developing obesity in adulthood. Obesity is a serious, common and costly chronic condition characterized by excessive body fat, often defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. The American Medical Association considers it a significant public health concern, as it increases the risk of numerous conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. What does the study say? Researchers developed ancestry-specific and multi-ancestry polygenic risk scores and found they were about twice as effective as the risk assessments doctors currently use. For people with European ancestry, the newly developed risk score accounted for about 17.6% of a person's risk of developing a high BMI in adulthood. About 70% of participants whose genetic data was compiled in the study had predominantly European ancestry, 14.4% had Hispanic ethnicity with typically mixed ancestries, 8.4% had predominantly East Asian ancestry, 4.6% had predominantly African ancestry and 1.5% were of predominantly South Asian origin, according to the research. Ruth Loos, a co-author of the study, is a professor at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen. In an interview with NBC News, she explained, 'Obesity is not only about genetics, so genetics alone can never accurately predict obesity.' 'For the general obesity that we see all over the world, we need other factors, such as lifestyle, that need to be part of the predictions,' added Loos. Obesity increases the risk of nearly 200 diseases and can cause serious health conditions like asthma, strokes, Type 2 diabetes and some types of cancers. It was a risk factor in 3.7 million deaths in 2021. Globally, obesity in adults has more than doubled since 1990, with adolescent rates quadrupling, the World Health Organization reported. How can communities address obesity? Ensuring access to healthy foods, safe places for physical activity, stigma-free obesity prevention and treatment programs, and evidence-based health care services such as medication and surgery are examples of how to address and prevent obesity, according to the CDC. Director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Karen Hacker previously told USA TODAY that there is no singular approach to addressing the health concern. 'Obesity is a disease caused by many factors, including eating patterns, physical activity levels, sleep routines, genetics and certain medications. This means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, Hacker said. 'However, we know the key strategies that work include addressing the underlying social determinants of health, such as access to health care, healthy and affordable food and safe places for physical activity,' Hacker added.
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
New genetic test could predict if you'll get condition suffered by 100million Americans decades before it develops
Genetic testing may predict your odds of becoming obese years - possibly even decades - before the condition strikes, researchers have revealed. A group of 600 researchers worldwide compiled genetic data from 5million people, the largest and most diverse dataset to date. They used that data to create a polygenic risk score, a person's genetic predisposition for a specific disease. In this case, it determined the odds of having a higher body mass index (BMI) in adulthood. The team found the score could be used to predict a person's risk of becoming obese as an adult - even for people as young as five years old. This could be instrumental for early intervention and preventing obesity - and its coexisting conditions. Ruth Loos, study co-author and professor at the University of Copenhagen's Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, said: 'Childhood is the best time to intervene.' The score also was found to be up to twice as effective as those used in doctors offices based on factors like high blood pressure, heart disease, diet and exercise. Additionally, researchers found people with high polygenic risk scores were also more likely to regain weight after losing it through diet and exercise compared to those with lower scores. Loos added: 'Obesity is not only about genetics, so genetics alone can never accurately predict obesity. 'For the general obesity that we see all over the world, we need other factors such as lifestyle that need to be part of the predictions.' The findings come as more than 40 percent of Americans adults - 100million - are now obese, meaning they have a BMI of at least 30. Rates among young people in particular have surged the most, with quadruple the amount of teens being obese worldwide compared to the 1990s. The study, published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, used genetic data from 5.1million people worldwide collected from 200 studies and 23andMe. The majority (71 percent) were of European ancestry, while 14 percent were of Hispanic ethnicity, eight percent were predominantly East Asian, five percent were African or African American and 1.5 percent were South Asian. Overall, the researchers found polygenic risk scores accounted for about 18 percent of a person with European ancestry's risk for having a high BMI as an adult compared to 8.5 percent on average for scores used by physicians. The remaining percentage is made up of lifestyle related factors like diet and exercise. However, this rate varied depending on ethnicity. For East Asian Americans, the score explained 16 percent of the risk for high BMI, though it was just 2.2 percent for people from rural Uganda and five percent for African ancestry overall. Because most participants were European, the team said further research is needed to look at other groups, particularly those of African descent. Based on the polygenic risk score calculated in the study, more than 80 percent of a person's risk for obesity can be explained by factors other than genetics, including where people live, foods they have access to and how much they exercise. Dr Roy Kim, a pediatric endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic Children's who was not involved with the research, told NBC News: 'Behavioral things are really important. Their environment, their access to healthy food, exercise opportunities, even their knowledge about healthy foods all affect a person's obesity risk.' In children, BMI increased at a faster rate in those with a higher genetic predisposition than those with a lower risk, which was most evident at just two and a half years old. Additionally, individuals with higher polygenic risk scores lost more weight in the first year of lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise than a control group. However, people with high scores who lost at least three percent of their baseline weight in the first year had a higher risk of regaining it in the years that followed compared to a control group. Dr Joel Hirschhorn, study author and professor of pediatrics and genetics at Boston Children's Hospital, told The New York Times: 'There is definitely predictive value in genetics.' He added that with the new study 'we are now a lot closer to being able to use genetics in a potentially meaningful predictive way.'
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A genetic test could predict the odds of obesity, allowing for early interventions
A genetic test may one day predict a child's risk of obesity in adulthood, paving the way for early interventions. Certain genetic variants can affect how a person's body stores fat or make them more prone to overeating. Genetic variation can also predict how well a person will respond to different weight loss drugs. In a study published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, more than 600 researchers from around the world worked together to compile genetic data from more than 5 million people — the largest and most diverse genetic dataset to date. They also used genetic data from 23andMe. From the dataset, the researchers were able to create what's known as a polygenic risk score, which takes into account which genetic variants a person has that have been linked to a higher BMI in adulthood. The score, the researchers said, could be used to predict a person's risk of obesity as an adult — before they even turn 5. 'Childhood is the best time to intervene,' said study co-author Ruth Loos, a professor at the University of Copenhagen's Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research. (Research conducted at the center is not influenced by drugmaker Novo Nordisk, though some of the study authors had ties to pharmaceutical companies that make weight loss drugs.) The findings come as obesity is rising around the world. Rates of obesity in adults have more than doubled globally since 1990, and adolescent rates have quadrupled, according to the World Health Organization. About 16% of adults worldwide have obesity and the situation is worse in the United States, where more than 40% of adults have obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show. Twice as effective The new test is not the first that predicts a person's risk of obesity, but Loos and her team showed it was about twice as effective as the method doctors currently use to assess their patients. That polygenetic score can account for about 8.5% of a person's risk for having a high BMI as an adult. The new score increased that to about 17.6%, at least in people with European ancestry. 'That's a pretty powerful risk indicator for obesity, but it still leaves open a lot that is unknown,' said Dr. Roy Kim, a pediatric endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic Children's who was not involved with the research. Based on this score, more than 80% of a person's risk for obesity can be explained by other factors, such as where they live, what kinds of foods they have access to, and how much they exercise. The test was not nearly as effective in predicting obesity risk in non-Europeans. It explained about 16% of the risk for having a high BMI in East Asian Americans, but just 2.2% in rural Ugandans. About 70% of people whose data was included in the study were of predominantly European ancestry. About 14% were Hispanic and typically had a mix of ancestries. About 8% were of predominantly East Asian descent and just under 5% were of predominantly African ancestry. These samples were predominantly from African American people, who largely had mixed ancestry. Just 1.5% were of predominantly South Asian ancestry. Loos said the new score is a big step forward, but that it's still a prototype. The next step is to collect more — and more diverse — data on people with African ancestry in particular to improve how well the score works for everyone, not just white people. She said the score could offer one indicator — what high blood pressure is to heart disease, for example — that could help predict a person's risk of developing obesity. 'Obesity is not only about genetics, so genetics alone can never accurately predict obesity,' Loos said. 'For the general obesity that we see all over the world, we need other factors such as lifestyle that need to be part of the predictions.' Genetics play a bigger role in severe obesity, meaning a BMI of more than 40, she added. Still, identifying a person's genetic risk early on in childhood and intervening early with lifestyle coaching could make a big difference, she said. Research has shown that about 55% of children with obesity go on to have obesity in adolescence, and that about 80% of those individuals will have obesity in adulthood. 'Behavioral things are really important,' Kim said. 'Their environment, their access to healthy food, exercise opportunities, even their knowledge about healthy foods all affect a person's obesity risk.' How important are genetics, really? Although studies in identical twins have found that genetics can account for as much as 80% of the reason a person has obesity, lifestyle factors still play a huge role, Kim said. 'Even with the same genetic makeup, people can have different body types,' he said. 'From a very young age in my practice, we educate patients about the importance of eating protein-rich foods, a lot of fruits and vegetables and not too many refined carbs.' Dr. Juliana Simonetti, co-director of the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at the University of Utah, has been using genetic testing in her adult patients for about five years. She said understanding a person's genes can help doctors better treat weight gain. 'Obesity is not homogeneous. We have different kinds and different presentations,' said Simonetti, who wasn't involved with the new study. Simonetti uses a person's genes to determine if a patient struggles with satiety, or feeling full. 'They eat but do not feel full,' Simonetti said, adding that this is a disorder caused by genetic mutations affecting certain pathways in the body. People who have these mutations 'tend to have higher weight,' she said. But such mutations do not tell the whole genetic story of obesity, Simonetti said. The genes that a person inherits from either parent, even if they are not mutations, also determine how a person's body stores weight or uses energy. Both can play a big role in obesity risk. Genetic testing is also starting to be able to determine how well certain weight loss drugs will work for a person, Simonetti said, but she added this is just the beginning. 'We are talking about three out of 80 mutations that we can treat,' she said. 'We are getting better, and the more data we have, I'm hopeful that we are going to do a better job in being more precise in understanding treatment responses.' This article was originally published on Solve the daily Crossword
