Study Reveals Genes that Allow One to be Obese and Metabolically Healthy - Scitke

Doctors have long warned that excess weight raises the risk of serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. But a new study suggests that this understanding may…

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York and the University of Copenhagen examined genetic data from over 450,000 individuals of European ancestry, identifying 266 variants in the process.

Some individuals may put on weight yet maintain normal levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose, while others—who lack these genetic variants—gain weight quickly and develop complications.

Obesity Exists in Multiple Forms, Each with Its Own Risks

“Obesity isn’t a single disorder; it comes in multiple forms, each carrying its own risks,” said Nathalie Chami, the study’s lead author.

The team identified eight separate obesity subtypes, each influencing health in different ways. The pattern also appeared in children: those with protective variants tended to have more pronounced obesity.

Genetic Insights Could Lead to Personalized Treatments for Obesity

In the future, this insight could help physicians identify which patients are more vulnerable and potentially guide the development of new therapies that replicate these protective genetic mechanisms.

Still, the scientists stress that for the vast majority, obesity remains a serious health issue. “Most people continue to face significant risks, and lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity are still crucial.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in 2022, one in every eight people worldwide was living with obesity. Since 1990, cases have more than doubled among adults and increased fourfold among adolescents.

Read the original article on: Exame