New Delhi: Childhood obesity is a growing global concern, affecting one in five children and adolescents aged between 2 and 19. While environmental and lifestyle elements became increasingly significant, genetic background or predisposition also affects obesity and related health problems in children. Recent advances in genomics, with the help of Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS), enable researchers to analyze the genetic predisposition to obesity. These scores evaluate the cumulative effects of multiple genetic markers and can provide insights into a child’s risk for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Genetic Basis of Childhood Obesity
“Obesity is a complex trait influenced by both monogenic and polygenic factors. At the same time, some rare cases of childhood obesity arise from single-gene mutations, in genes such as FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated gene), Leptin, MC4R, etc. However, most cases result from the combined effect of hundreds or thousands of genetic markers spread across the genome. These polygenic effects, combined with environmental factors, are the reasons why some children maintain a healthy weight despite unhealthy eating habits. In contrast, others become obese even with a regulated lifestyle,” Dr Ramesh Menon, Associate Director- Personal Genomics and Genomic Medicine, MedGenome, said.
Polygenic Risk Scores use various genetic markers to aggregate the risk of obesity in humans. Studies have suggested that children with a higher polygenic risk score have a higher risk of developing obesity than those with a lower PRS. Yet genetic history does not establish why individuals become fat, and other reasons, like family history, socioeconomic status, diet, exercise, or the lack thereof, and epigenetic alterations, are also relevant.
Role of PRS in Risk Assessment and Early Intervention
With increased genomic technology, PRS is now also applied to predicting obesity risk early in life. This allows healthcare providers to create proactive, individualized interventions based on a child’s genetic information. Genetic screening tests, including direct sequencing and nutrigenomic testing, can detect high-risk children, and targeted prevention measures can be implemented.
For children identified as high-risk through PRS, early intervention may include:
- Genetic and Nutritional Counseling for parents: Understanding genetic susceptibility can help create personalized dietary and exercise plans.
- Specialized Fitness Regimens: Customized fitness programs designed to align with a child’s genetic profile and metabolic needs.
- Regular Monitoring: Tracking weight trajectory to detect early signs of obesity and implement timely interventions. By integrating PRS with lifestyle modifications, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the likelihood of obesity-related complications such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases later in life.
Future of Genomics in Obesity Management
The field of genomics is advancing at a fast pace, with scientists exploring new methods to combat obesity. Gene editing technologies have the potential to modify obesity-associated genetic variants, while machine learning and artificial intelligence are being used to improve models of obesity risk prediction by combining genetic and environmental factors. All these innovations will continue to enable early, accurate, and effective obesity prevention interventions.
As our understanding of genetic contributions to obesity grows, the integration of PRS into practice will become increasingly important. The future of preventing childhood obesity lies in combining genetic information with comprehensive lifestyle interventions, enabling the early identification of at-risk children and the implementation of personalized, evidence-based interventions. This integrated approach holds the promise of improving long-term health outcomes and reducing the global burden of obesity-related illnesses.
While environmental and lifestyle elements became increasingly significant, genetic background or predisposition also affects obesity and related health problems in children. Recent advances in genomics, with the help of Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS), enable researchers to analyze the genetic predisposition to obesity. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
