Progress in the genetics of common obesity: size matters

Abstract

Purpose of review: Over the past two decades serious efforts has been invested in the search for genes that predispose to common obesity, but progress has been slow and success limited. Genome-wide association, however, has revived optimism. Here we review recent advances in the field of obesity genetics and discuss the most important findings of candidate gene, genome-wide linkage studies and genome-wide association studies. We conclude by speculating about the way forward in the near future.

Recent findings: Although large-scale candidate gene studies have placed MC4R more firmly on the human obesity map, the major breakthrough in obesity genetics was the discovery of FTO through genome-wide association. Variants located in the first intron of FTO were unequivocally associated with a 1.67-fold increased risk for obesity and a 0.40-0.66 kg/m2 increase in body mass index.

Summary: Genome-wide association promises to enhance greatly our understanding of the genetic basis of common obesity, although candidate gene studies will remain a valuable approach because they allow more detailed analyses of biologically relevant candidates. A key factor contributing to continued success lies in large-scale data integration through international collaboration, which will provide the sample sizes required to identify genetic association with conclusive evidence.