Abnormalities in lipid metabolism have been linked to the development of obesity. We used a nutrigenetic approach to establish a link between lipids and obesity in Asian Indians, who are known to have a high prevalence of central obesity and dyslipidaemia. A sample of 497 Asian Indian individuals (260 with type 2 diabetes and 237 with normal glucose tolerance) (mean age: 44 ± 10 years) were randomly chosen from the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiological Study (CURES). Dietary intake was assessed using a previously validated questionnaire. A genetic risk score (GRS) was constructed based on cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) genetic variants. There was a significant interaction between GRS and saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake on waist circumference (WC) (Pinteraction = 0.006). Individuals with a low SFA intake (≤23.2 g/day), despite carrying ≥ 2 risk alleles, had a smaller WC compared to individuals carrying < 2 risk alleles (Beta = −0.01 cm; p = 0.03). For those individuals carrying ≥ 2 risk alleles, a high SFA intake (>23.2 g/day) was significantly associated with a larger WC than a low SFA intake (≤23.2 g/day) (Beta = 0.02 cm, p = 0.02). There were no significant interactions between GRS and other dietary factors on any of the measured outcomes. We conclude that a diet low in SFA might help reduce the genetic risk of central obesity confirmed by CETP and LPL genetic variants. Conversely, a high SFA diet increases the genetic risk of central obesity in Asian Indians.

One of the factor-driven global environmental concerns and health issues is excessive meat production and consumption. The popularity of meat substitutes for the benefit of sustainability and well-being has been increasing. This review highlights the health benefits, sustainability, and sensorial properties of plant-based materials as meat substitutes. Each of the materials has its advantages and disadvantages. Mushrooms, mycoprotein, soy, TVP, and seitan have a high potential to become a healthier and more sustainable meat alternative. However, there are some challenges, such as mushrooms' wide variety, mycoprotein production cost, beany and grainy nodes of soy-based products, increased seitan production that negatively impacts the environment, and low protein content of jackfruit. Nuts, cauliflower, potato, and eggplant require significant sensory improvement to mimic meat characteristics despite their environmental advantages. Moreover, their protein content and quality are low. On the other hand, Cottonseed proteins contain toxic gossypol, and research on their sustainability and nutritional value is limited. For legumes and lentils, their processing reduces some nutritional components and their taste and texture from meat. Overall, these fungi and vegetables possess great potential as meat substitutes due to their high nutritive value, workable sensorial properties, and good sustainability compared to conventional meat despite having their challenges to become potential plant-based meat products.