Association of the FTO and ADRB2 genes with body composition and fat distribution in obese women

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the polymorphisms of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO, rs9939609:T > A) and the 2-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB2, rs1042714:Gln > Glu) are associated with weight loss in dieting obese premenopausal women and the association of these SNPs with body weight, body composition and distribution of fat mass. Methods: 75 obese (BMI > 30) premenopausal women participated in the intervention including a 3- month weight reduction period and a subsequent 9-month weight maintenance period. Weight and height were measured and BMI calculated. Body composition and fat mass distribution were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: At baseline, the AA homozygotes of the FTO gene were 10.1 kg heavier (p = 0.031), they had higher BMI (p = 0.038), and greater waist and greater hip circumference (p = 0.08 and p = 0.067, respectively) compared to the TT homozygotes. Gln/Gln carriers of the ADRB2 gene had smaller gynoid fat-% compared with both the Gln/Glu and Glu/Glu carriers (p = 0.050 and p = 0.009, respectively). The Gln homozygotes had also smaller total body fat-% and higher total body lean mass-% than that of the Glu homozygotes (p = 0.018 and p = 0.019, respectively). Conclusion: FTO genotype was associated with body weight in general, whereas ADRB2 genotype was associated with fat distribution. However, all women in the study group lost weight similarly independently of their genotypes. Neither the FTO nor ADRB2 genotype had statistically significant effect on weight reduction or weight maintenance. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.