Exploring the Interplay of Genetics and Nutrition in the Rising Epidemic of Obesity and Metabolic Diseases

Abstract

Background: Obesity has become a significant global health issue. This multifaceted condition is influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, significantly influenced by nutrition. Aim: The study's objective is to elucidate the relationship between obesity-related genes, nutrient intake, and the development of obesity and the importance of other metabolic diseases. Methods: A comprehensive literature review spanning the past two decades was conducted to analyze the contributions of genetic variants-including FTO, MC4R, and LEPR-and their associations with dietary habits, highlighting how specific nutrients affect gene expression and obesity risk and how the coexistence of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis may modulate these factors. Moreover, the role of epigenetic factors, such as dietary patterns that encourage the development of obesity, was explored. Discussion and Conclusions: By understanding the intricate relationships among genetics, nutrients, and obesity development, this study highlights the importance of personalized dietary strategies in managing obesity. Overall, an integrated approach that considers genetic predispositions alongside environmental influences is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment methodologies, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes in diverse populations.

Keywords: BMI; dietary choices; epigenetic factors; genes; genetic risk; metabolic diseases; nutrient intake; obesity; weight gain.

Figure 1

The multifaceted origin of obesity. The figure shows the importance of various factors that simultaneously affect the development of obesity and are responsible for its progression. The importance of diet, chronic inflammation, and other metabolic dysfunctions in the development of obesity, which consequently through abdominal obesity lead to other metabolic disorders, is indicated. the arrow indicates the direction of changes, and the plus signifies additivity.

Figure 2

Factors modulating the obesity phenotype. The diagram shows the complex interplay between genetic factors, environmental factors, diet, and the microbiota and the development of obesity and metabolic diseases. Genetic factors influence both the predisposition to obesity and dietary choices. Environmental factors such as lifestyle and physical activity directly modulate the development of obesity. The importance of the microbiota has also been shown to increase the risk of comorbidities such as diabetes or osteoporosis. The role of diet is complex as it can act both positively and negatively by influencing gene expression. Dietary interventions affect body weight, microbiota, and metabolic health. Epigenetic mechanisms can further alter gene expression, amplifying the impact of environmental and dietary factors on the development of obesity. The arrows indicate the direction of changes, the plus indicates an increase and the minus indicates a decrease.

Figure 3

The personalization of the therapeutic management of patients with obesity. In the process of personalizing obesity treatment therapy, according to the scheme presented, a holistic approach to the patient is necessary. Achieving positive and lasting treatment results requires the cooperation of various medical specialists, such as a doctor, geneticist, nutritionist, or physiotherapist. The personalization of therapy includes genotype-specific diet selection, reduction in comorbidities, the optimization of the microbiome, establishment of a physical activity plan, and setting therapeutic goals.