Hyderabad: A recent study from AIG Hospitals reveals that genetics and lifestyle together play a big role in obesity risk among Indians. This research, featured in Scientific Reports, looked at participants with Indian roots from the UK Biobank and another group recruited in India.
Using a tool called the SNP microarray platform, researchers examined many genetic variants and created polygenic risk scores. These scores help measure how much a person is genetically predisposed to obesity.
Participants were divided into categories based on their genetic risk. They were also analyzed based on their lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and smoking. The study found that as genetic risk increased, so did the likelihood of obesity, especially in those with unhealthy lifestyles.
Interestingly, the research indicated that younger people with a higher genetic risk could benefit the most from lifestyle changes. This highlights a crucial opportunity for early intervention to tackle obesity.
Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, noted that Indians often face issues like insulin resistance and heart problems at lower body weights than people in the West. He emphasized that while genetics play a role, lifestyle changes are still important. “Obesity is influenced by thousands of genetic variants,” he explained, “but it doesn’t happen in isolation.”
Dr. Rakesh Kalapala, who leads the Centre for Obesity and Metabolic Therapy, added that even small genetic factors can add up. He noted, “Two people with the same weight could have very different health outcomes based on their genes and lifestyle.”
The study also pointed out that the lifestyle data was self-reported and more participants are needed in the Indian cohort. Researchers advocate for starting preventive measures early, including monitoring waist size and blood markers. This proactive approach could help combat the rising obesity rates in India.
With obesity becoming a significant public health concern globally, understanding how genetics and lifestyle interplay is essential. According to the World Health Organization, obesity has nearly tripled worldwide since 1975. Tackling this issue requires a combination of insights from genetics and actionable lifestyle changes.
For more information on obesity and its health implications, you can visit the World Health Organization.
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Hyderabad, AIG Hospitals, obesity
