Obesity and genetics: an overview with physiological and clinical implications

MARTINEZ, J. A.
MARTI, A.

Institute of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona – Spain

This review has been written with the support of grantsand funds from the University of Navarra (LE/97), Departmentof Health of Gobierno de Navarra, and the Ministry of Foodand Health of Spain. General scientific support from NUGENOB and DIOGENES Consortia, both funded by theEU, is also acknowledged.

Address for correspondence: Prof. J. Alfredo MartínezDpto. de Ciencias de la Alimentación, Fisiología yToxicologíaUniversidad de Navarra C/Irunlarrea, 131008 Pamplona, Spaine-mail: [email protected]

Received: September 27, 2007

Accepted: November 30, 2007

Nutritional Therapy & Metabolism 25(4):p 157-166, 2007.

ABSTRACT:

Excessive fat accumulation is attributed in some cases to a predisposing genetic makeup involving monogenic polymorphisms and mutations, but in most cases appears to be a polygenic syndrome, which is influenced by dietary and physical activity lifestyles. A number of studies recruiting substantial numbers of participants with different consanguinity degrees have been able to establish quantitative relationships among relatives concerning the heritability of obesity. About 600 genes and genetic markers coding for molecular signalling related to appetite control, energy expenditure and adipogenesis appear to be involved in body weight control. Identification of candidate genes may allow to provide individual-specific recommendations (dietary advice and/or drug therapy) to achieve effective weight loss and successful long-term maintenance of weight loss on the basis of an identified genetic susceptibility. However, at this moment it is premature to offer targeted obesity therapy based on the information of genotype/weight loss associations.