A Common Genetic Variant Is Associated with Adult and Childhood Obesity

TLDR

Obesity is a heritable risk factor for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. The study aimed to identify a common genetic variant linked to obesity. A dense whole‑genome scan of Framingham Heart Study DNA samples was performed to locate a variant near the INSIG2 gene. The variant was replicated across four diverse cohorts, present in 10 % of individuals, and supports the role of common polymorphisms in obesity.

Abstract

Obesity is a heritable trait and a risk factor for many common diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. We used a dense whole-genome scan of DNA samples from the Framingham Heart Study participants to identify a common genetic variant near the INSIG2 gene associated with obesity. We have replicated the finding in four separate samples composed of individuals of Western European ancestry, African Americans, and children. The obesity-predisposing genotype is present in 10% of individuals. Our study suggests that common genetic polymorphisms are important determinants of obesity.