Understanding the Study
An international research team of over 600 scientists from 500 institutions, including India’s CSIR‑CCMB, analysed genetic data from over 5 million people to refine a polygenic risk score (PRS) predicting obesity—twice as accurate as earlier models. The tool can identify children as young as five who are likely to develop adult obesity, enabling early intervention 0.
Indian Focus: Central Obesity & Unique Genetic Patterns
Indians exhibit a distinct pattern of central (abdominal) obesity, differing from European fat distribution. CSIR‑CCMB tracked multiple cohorts from Mysore, Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad over nearly 20 years, involving both diabetic and non‑diabetic subjects, to establish India‑specific obesity‑linked genetic variants 1. Many genetic markers effective in Europeans didn’t translate to Indians 2.
Key Findings: Genetics & Lifestyle Interplay
PRS predicted 18‑20% of obesity risk across ancestries—nearly triple prior estimates. While individuals with high genetic risk responded strongly to diet‑and‑exercise interventions, they also tended to regain weight rapidly once these measures ceased 3.
Why Lifestyle Matters More Than Genes
The study highlights that for Indians, lifestyle and nutrient supplementation often outweigh genetic predisposition. Tailored interventions, aligned with individual genetic profiles, delivered better outcomes than genetic data alone 4.—this emphasizes that ‘genetics is not destiny.’
Implications & Future Directions
– Early identification via PRS (~5 years) enables proactive lifestyle education.
– Future studies will extend this model to other metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) via India’s Sneha Consortium 5.
– With WHO warning that over half the global population may be overweight/obese by 2035, the findings urge policymakers to combine genetic screening with public health efforts emphasizing diet, nutrition, and behaviour change 6.
Trivia & Quiz Nuggets
- How many individuals did the global study involve? Over 5 million.
- At what early age can PRS predict adult obesity risk? Five years old.
- Which Indian institution led the local genomic research? CSIR‑CCMB, Hyderabad.
- What distinct obesity pattern is common among Indians? Central (abdominal) obesity.
- Do Indians with high genetic risk keep off weight permanently after lifestyle changes? No—they often regain weight once interventions stop.
Source: Mid-day