Genetics of obesity

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to review and update advances in genetics of obesity. Design: Analysis and interpretation of recent investigations about regulating the energy balance as well as about gene-nutrient interactions and current nutrigenomic research methods. Background and main statements: Obesity results from a long-term positive energy balance. However, its rising prevalence in developed and developing societies must reflect lifestyle changes, since genetic susceptibility remains stable over many generations. Like most complex diseases, obesity derives from a failure of adequate homoeostasis within the physiological system controlling body weight. The identification of genes that are involved in syndromic, monogenic and polygenic obesity has seriously improved our knowledge of body weight regulation. This disorder may arise from a deregulation at the genetic level (e.g. gene transcription or altered protein function) or environmental exposure (e.g. diet, physical activity, etc.). Conclusions: In practice, obesity involves the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. © 2007 The Authors.