Child-MHO · Genetics of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW) in children, and the childhood predictors of adulthood MHO and MUNW

Genetics of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW) in children, and the childhood predictors of adulthood MHO and MUNW

Recent large-scale genomic studies have provided evidence that a number of genetic variants implicate an inverse relationship between increased adiposity and an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile. So far, it is not known whether the loci showing “favorable adiposity”-like associations exert their influence already in childhood.Identification of genetic variation contributing to the link between adiposity and its complications in children and adolescents is important, as it could shed light on the underlying mechanisms and help distinguishing between the children who are most and least prone to developing cardiometabolic impairments upon weight gain. Furthemore, a present, it is not known whether early life factors also contribute to the development of MUNW. Identifying early predictors of MUNW could improve the identification of individuals at high risk and help develop appropriate interventions. Identification of MHO and MUNW related genetic variants in children and the childhood predictors of adult MHO and MUNW will help to assess the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as to target interventions in the high-risk groups. The ability to improve advice and intervention measures would help alleviate the burden of obesity-related comorbidities on health care systems worldwide. In the present project, I examined which of the genetic determinants of MHO and MUNW found in adults are associated with “favorable adiposity”-like association patterns in children, and to detected childhood genetic and environmental predictors of adult MUNW. This novel and timely research has provided valuable information on the link between adiposity and its complications in childhood populations. This project has allowed me to learn highly valuable research skills in the area of genetics and meta-analyses related to cardiometabolic risk factors and support my professional and research advancement. The conclusion of the project are: - genetic predisposition to higher body fat yet lower cardiometabolic risk (the so called MHO phenotype) as well as lower body fat yet higher cardiometabolic risk (MUNW) phenotype exerts its influence before puberty. -Abdominal adiposity may have a causal, unfavorable effect on plasma triglycerides and potentially other cardiometabolic risk factors starting in childhood - a relatively higher increase in BMI from childhood to adulthood, male sex, and lower childhood HDL cholesterol were the main early predictors for adult MUNW These findings provide novel insights into the link between adiposity and its complications in children and adolescents.The results also highlight the importance of early weight management through healthy dietary habits and physically active lifestyle among children with tendency for abdominal adiposity.Furthemore, the results suggest that in individuals who remain normal weight, relatively higher increase in adiposity from childhood to adulthood is harmful to cardiometabolic health, and early adoption of a healthy lifestyle is thus critical.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union