Ethnic and population differences in the genetic predisposition to human obesity

Abstract

SummaryObesity rates have escalated to the point of a global pandemic with varying prevalence across ethnic groups. These differences are partially explained by lifestyle factors in addition to genetic predisposition to obesity. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the ethnic differences in the genetic architecture of obesity. Using examples from evolution, heritability, admixture, monogenic and polygenic studies of obesity, we provide explanations for ethnic differences in the prevalence of obesity. The debate over definitions of race and ethnicity, the advantages and limitations of multi-ethnic studies and future directions of research are also discussed. Multi-ethnic studies have great potential to provide a better understanding of ethnic differences in the prevalence of obesity that may result in more targeted and personalized obesity treatments.

A biopsychosocial approach to processes and pathways in the development of overweight and obesity in childhood: Insights from developmental theory and research

“…As outlined in the section on genetic influences, Wardle proposed a role for behavioral susceptibility to OW/OB that is often expressed in terms of a genetic predisposition . Wardle and colleagues and others have suggested that genetic susceptibility to OW/OB could be mediated by appetitive traits such as a more avid appetite and lower satiety sensitivity.…”

“…50,107,146,[230][231][232][233][234] As outlined in the section on genetic influences, Wardle 11,116,117 proposed a role for behavioral susceptibility to OW/OB that is often expressed in terms of a genetic predisposition. 16,22,113,235,236 Wardle and colleagues and others 16 have suggested that genetic susceptibility to OW/OB could be mediated by appetitive traits such as a more avid appetite and lower satiety sensitivity. This suggests that greater genetic susceptibility to OW/OB implies greater vulnerability to food-related environments (eg, an obesogenic food environment and feeding practices conducive to weight gain) that are linked to an imbalance of energy intake and expenditure and associated weight gain.…”

“…It is clear, however, that a significant segment of research and theory about the development of OW/OB has been directed to a more ecological approach through a consideration of social, ethnic, evolutionary, cultural, or macroenvironmental factors such as politics and food marketing and that these have important influences on child OW/OB. 3,19,21,22,65,91,92,211,235,329,330 We acknowledged these macroenvironmental factors in Figure 1, but did not directly examine evidence in relation to their contributions to parent behavior such as feeding practices and cognitions (eg, about child weight, food and diet).…”

Loss‐of‐function mutations in the melanocortin‐3 receptor gene confer risk for human obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Specifically, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, in utero exposure, medical conditions (eg, depression), gut microbiota, sex, age, ethnicity, epigenetics, and genetics contribute to increased risk of obesity. Twin‐, family‐, and population‐based studies estimate that 40%‐75% of body mass index (BMI) variability is influenced by genetic factors . This has been confirmed by the identification of 940 polygenic loci that are associated with obesity .…”

“…Mouse models have been instrumental to elucidate the monogenic bases of obesity in humans . Altogether, these discoveries only account for a modest proportion of heritability of obesity, and more susceptibility genes have yet to be identified …”