A new study suggests that genetics may play a major role in determining whether a child is likely to develop obesity later in life. Researchers have developed an advanced genetic scoring system that can identify obesity risk in children at a very early age, potentially allowing doctors and families to begin preventive measures years before weight-related problems appear.
The research involved the analysis of genetic information from more than five million people worldwide, making it one of the largest studies ever conducted on the genetics of obesity. Scientists used this data to create a polygenic risk score, which combines the effects of thousands of small genetic variations associated with body weight and fat storage. By examining these combined genetic factors, researchers were able to estimate an individual’s inherited risk for developing obesity.
According to the findings, the new genetic score was significantly more accurate than previous methods at predicting obesity risk. Researchers found that children with higher genetic risk scores were more likely to develop obesity later in life, even before obvious lifestyle-related risk factors became noticeable. Scientists say this early identification could provide an important opportunity for preventive interventions during childhood, when healthy habits may be easier to establish.
“What makes the score so powerful is its ability to predict, before the age of five, whether a child is likely to develop obesity in adulthood, well before other risk factors start to shape their weight later in childhood. Intervening at this point can have a huge impact,”
says Assistant Professor Roelof Smit from the NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) at the University of Copenhagen
Although the findings are promising, researchers emphasized that genetics is only one factor influencing obesity. Environmental conditions, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and social factors also play major roles in determining body weight. Scientists hope the research may eventually support more personalized obesity prevention strategies, allowing health care providers to identify high-risk individuals earlier and tailor interventions to their specific needs.
“This new polygenic score is a dramatic improvement in predictive power and a leap forward in the genetic prediction of obesity risk, which brings us much closer to clinically useful genetic testing,”
says Professor Ruth Loos from CBMR at the University of Copenhagen.
