Individuals with a higher genetic predisposition to obesity may need to engage in more physical activity than those with moderate or low genetic risk to prevent obesity, a study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) published in JAMA Network Open reveals.
The researchers utilized data from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program to investigate how genetic predisposition to higher body mass index impacts the level of physical activity required to prevent obesity incidence. According to senior author Douglas Ruderfer, Ph.D., genetic factors play a significant role in determining the amount of physical activity needed to counteract obesity. He noted that individuals with a higher genetic risk must take more steps per day to mitigate the risk of obesity.
The study included 3,124 middle-aged participants without obesity who wore Fitbit devices and walked an average of 8,326 steps per day for over five years. The incidence of obesity rose from 13% to 43% in the groups with the lowest and highest polygenic risk scores, respectively.
Participants in the 75th percentile of polygenic risk score would need to walk an additional 2,280 steps per day to have a similar risk of obesity as those in the 50th percentile, according to the study. Moreover, individuals with different baseline BMI levels would require varying additional steps per day to match the obesity risk of those in the 25th percentile.
Lead author Evan Brittain, MD, emphasized the significance of quantifying the amount of physical activity needed to reduce the risk of obesity based on genetic predisposition. He highlighted the potential integration of genetic data with electronic health records to personalize physical activity recommendations.
The researchers aim to validate their findings in diverse populations and assess whether providing individual activity recommendations based on genetic risk leads to better health outcomes and reduced obesity rates. Brittain stressed the empowering aspect of knowing one’s genetic risk for obesity and how tailored physical activity guidelines could offer more effective prevention strategies.
Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of personalized physical activity recommendations in combating obesity, irrespective of genetic predisposition. Brittain encourages individuals to understand that genetic risk does not inevitably lead to obesity and that proactive measures such as increased physical activity can effectively mitigate the risk.
