Mixed
Physical activity attenuates the genetic predisposition to obesity associated with the FTO rs9939609 variant, effectively neutralizing the increased risk of higher BMI and subcutaneous fat area found in carriers of the risk allele.
If you carry the FTO risk gene, you are genetically predisposed to higher BMI, but this risk is not fixed. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy energy balance can effectively cancel out this genetic disadvantage. Do not let a genetic test result discourage you; activity is the specific counter-measure for this gene.
Although this variant is the strongest risk factor associated with polygenic obesity, its effect can be modified by either physical activity or reduction in energy intake, providing an excellent example of cross talk between genetic variants and life style interventions (84).
Why this rating
Supported by multiple meta-analyses and large-scale studies (e.g., 16 independent studies, sample size 111,421) showing consistent interaction effects.
Source
Genetic test for the prescription of diets in support of physical activity.
Zakira Naureen et al. · PubMed · 2020
DOI 10.23750/abm.v91i13-s.10584
Related findings · Mixed
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- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
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