Genotypic Variations Associated with Changes in Body Mass in Response to Endurance Training

Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which different genotypes can explain changes in body mass following an 8-week running program, in a UK population. Participants were randomly assigned to either a training (n = 17) or control group (n = 21). Participants’ diets were not altered, only the exercise regime was manipulated to isolate effects. The exercise group completed a periodized running program consisting of 20–30 min, over an agreed route, three times per-week, whilst the control groups refrained from daily exercise. Participants were screened at the end of the study for 1,000 gene variants using a DNA test kit. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in body mass, within the exercise, compared to the control group (p =.002). This reduction in body mass varied significantly (p =.024) between individuals within the exercise group. Moreover, genetic analysis identified 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with this variation (r2 =.74; p