Socioeconomic Status and Genetic Susceptibility to Obesity

February 3, 2025

Recent research has brought into light the complex relationship between genetic factors and socioeconomic status in childhood obesity. A study involving 6,400 schoolchildren in India has demonstrated that socioeconomic status influences the genetic predisposition to obesity. This research, led by the School of Biotechnology at Jawaharlal Nehru University, marks a critical step in understanding childhood obesity, particularly in non-Caucasian populations.

Study Design and Methodology

The study employed a two-staged Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) and an Exome-wide Association Study (ExWAS).
The GWAS involved 5,673 children, while the ExWAS included 4,963 children.
The GWAS was divided into two phases – discovery and replication.
The discovery phase scanned the genome for common genetic variants linked to obesity.
The replication phase validated these associations in a separate sample group.

Genetic Variants Identified

The researchers identified two known obesity-related genes and six novel associations through GWAS.
Key findings included genes such as TCF7L2, which enhances obesity-related tissues, and CDC5L, which regulates adipose tissue metabolism.
Other genes like SNTG1 and MX1 were also linked to triglyceride levels and thyroid pathways, respectively.
The ExWAS further revealed four novel missense variants related to body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio.

Impact of Socioeconomic Status

The study explored how socioeconomic status modifies genetic susceptibility to obesity.
It found that children from urban private schools exhibited higher obesity rates compared to those from urban government and rural schools.
Urban private school students had diets rich in processed foods and led sedentary lifestyles.
Conversely, rural children were more active but faced nutritional challenges.

Gene-Environment Interaction

The findings emphasised the gene-environment interaction in obesity development. Even with similar genetic risks, children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds had a greater likelihood of being obese. This marks the role of environmental factors in exacerbating genetic predispositions.

Health Implications

About the interplay between genetics and socioeconomic factors is crucial for addressing childhood obesity. The study’s insights can inform public health strategies aimed at mitigating obesity risks among children. Tailored interventions considering both genetic and socioeconomic factors may prove more effective in combating this growing health issue.

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