The Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Gene (FTO): Can You Overcome Bad Genetics with Diet?
Abstract
A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is a strong predictor of obesity in humans. The FTO SNP (rs1421085) results in a T to C nucleotide substitution that may result in an increased risk for obesity in individuals who carry at least one C allele. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if body composition alterations after a 4-week diet differed between those who carried the risky C allele versus those that did not. Thirty two exercisetrained subjects completed a 4-week hypocaloric diet (i.e., decreased energy intake by ~20% from baseline). After the 4-week treatment period, there was a significant decrease in fat mass and % body fat. However, there was no change in lean body mass or total body water. Furthermore, when we examined those with the risky C allele (C/- was comprised of CC homozygotes and CT heterozygotes) versus the TT homozygotes (normal risk), there was no between group difference regarding the loss of fat mass. Thus, the evidence suggests that despite having the risky C allele for the FTO gene, a decrease in energy intake produces a similar response compared to those at normal risk for obesity.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Jose Antonio, Dr. Corey Peacock, Dr. Jaime Tartar
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Shermany Library
Start Date
4-5-2019 1:00 PM
End Date
4-5-2019 5:00 PM
The Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Gene (FTO): Can You Overcome Bad Genetics with Diet?
Alvin Shermany Library
A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is a strong predictor of obesity in humans. The FTO SNP (rs1421085) results in a T to C nucleotide substitution that may result in an increased risk for obesity in individuals who carry at least one C allele. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if body composition alterations after a 4-week diet differed between those who carried the risky C allele versus those that did not. Thirty two exercisetrained subjects completed a 4-week hypocaloric diet (i.e., decreased energy intake by ~20% from baseline). After the 4-week treatment period, there was a significant decrease in fat mass and % body fat. However, there was no change in lean body mass or total body water. Furthermore, when we examined those with the risky C allele (C/- was comprised of CC homozygotes and CT heterozygotes) versus the TT homozygotes (normal risk), there was no between group difference regarding the loss of fat mass. Thus, the evidence suggests that despite having the risky C allele for the FTO gene, a decrease in energy intake produces a similar response compared to those at normal risk for obesity.
