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Uncovering and understanding a child’s genetic makeup helps healthcare providers to assess the risks and implement targeted interventions in the early stages of life
Almost every one in five kids between the ages 2 to 19 suffers from childhood obesity, making it one of the prevalent health challenges of our time. While factors like environment and lifestyle choices are crucial, emerging research in the field of genomics has uncovered the intricate relationship between both. Understanding this relationship will help in making informed choices and receive the care that the individuals require. Dr Ramesh Menon, Associate Director- Personal Genomics and Genomic Medicine, MedGenome shares all you need to know:
Recent advancements in genomics helped researchers in identifying many genetic factors that are associated with obesity at a young age. The FTO gene, also known as Fat Mass and Obesity Associated gene is one of the most widely studied gene for monogenic cause of childhood obesity, and variations in this gene are widely held responsible for obesity in children and adolescents. However, high body mass index can also arise from polygenic causes – combined effect of several hundreds or thousands or genome-wide markers. These markers, along with the interaction of multiple gene networks and environmental factors, help explain why some children maintain a healthy weight despite poor habits, while others struggle with obesity even on a dietary regime.
With the help of cutting-edge technology, professionals can generate a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) for the risk of developing childhood obesity by studying thousands of genes simultaneously . These scores provide required insights into a child’s likelihood of weight gain and other health problems. According to recent research, individuals with a higher PRS are more susceptible to obesity and weight gain compared to those with a lower score. However, genetic disposition does not determine a person’s susceptibility to the disease. The predictive value of genetic testing increases significantly when combined with factors like the person’s medical and family history, dietary habits, frequency of physical exercise, socio-economic background, environmental influences and epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic changes like modifications in DNA methylation in the liver and muscles, may impact gene expression and contribute to obesity.
Uncovering and understanding a child’s genetic makeup helps healthcare providers to assess the risks and implement targeted interventions in the early stages of life. For children who identify as high risk through genetic screening like direct sequencing and nutrigenomic tests , prevention strategies include early genetic and nutritional counselling according to their genetic profile, specialised fitness and dietary regimens, customized to the needs of the patients and regular monitoring of weight trajectory to ensure the best possible results and keeping the metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension etc. at bay in future
As part of today’s scientific and technological advancements, the field of genomics, especially genetic study of obesity is showing rapid growth. Researchers are exploring several promising areas, such as genetic editing technologies that could potentially modify genetic variations linked to obesity and machine learning algorithms that could help predict obesity risk in patients while accounting for both genetic and environmental factors. This growing body of research aims to address the global burden of childhood obesity, helping children and adolescents grow into healthy adults and avoid future health complications.
As our understanding of the genetic basis of obesity continues to expand, the integration of genetic information into clinical practice will become increasingly important for addressing obesity as a critical public health challenge. The future of childhood obesity prevention lies in combining this in-depth research with comprehensive lifestyle approaches, creating tailored solutions that consider both nature and nurture. This integrated approach promises to enhance our ability to identify at-risk children early and implement more effective interventions to promote healthy weight management throughout their lives.
