Study Reveals: Lifestyle Changes Could Significantly Lower Obesity Risk for Indians

Hyderabad, July 22 (IANS) — A new study suggests that lifestyle changes and specific nutrient supplements could be more effective for Indians with a genetic risk of obesity. This research, led by Dr. Giriraj Ratan Chandak at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) in Hyderabad, found that many of the genetic factors linked to obesity in Europeans do not apply to Indians.

The study highlights a different obesity pattern in India, where people are more prone to abdominal fat. Researchers developed a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) specifically for the Indian population, drawing on data from individuals with diabetes and those with normal blood sugar levels over almost 20 years. This makes their findings particularly relevant for South Asians.

Obesity in India is a pressing issue, with links to diseases like diabetes and hypertension. The study found that people with a higher genetic predisposition for obesity tended to respond better to weight loss interventions but also regained weight quickly after stopping those interventions.

Dr. Chandak noted, “Genetic variations in Europeans predicted lower risk in Indians, suggesting that environmental factors play a larger role. For Indians, focusing on lifestyle solutions or specific nutrients might lead to better outcomes.”

This study is part of a broader global effort involving 600 researchers and the largest genetic dataset to date, incorporating data from over 5 million people worldwide, including India. They created a genetic test that can predict obesity risk in childhood, making it more effective than previous methods.

Dr. Roelof Smit from the University of Copenhagen, who co-authored the research published in Nature Medicine, emphasized the test’s potential. It can predict a child’s likelihood of developing obesity by age five, allowing earlier intervention to prevent future weight issues.

As obesity continues to rise globally, these findings could be crucial in tailoring effective strategies for different populations, especially in regions like South Asia where genetic and environmental factors vary significantly.

For further insights, consider exploring the World Health Organization’s report on obesity for a global perspective.

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Lifestyle solution, better results, Indians, obesity