More than 2 out of 5 adults in the U.S. are considered obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But what if there was a way to test children to find out if they’re at higher risk for contracting the chronic condition while still having time to change their lifestyle?
In a study published July 21 in the journal Nature Medicine, more than 600 scientists from 500 institutions worldwide compiled genetic data from more than 5 million people. Using data collected by The Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium – an international collaboration of human genetics researchers and 23andMe – a genetic measure known as polygenic risk scores (PGS) was developed to help identify children at higher risk of developing obesity in adulthood.
Obesity is a serious, common and costly chronic condition characterized by excessive body fat, often defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. The American Medical Association considers it a significant public health concern, as it increases the risk of numerous conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.
