Hormonal
DNA methylation levels at the CPT1A locus are inversely associated with BMI and waist circumference, suggesting that higher methylation leads to decreased gene expression and reduced adiposity.
This research highlights that your body's metabolic machinery (specifically fatty acid oxidation via CPT1A) is regulated by epigenetic switches. While you cannot directly 'dose' methylation, understanding that these switches exist supports the efficacy of lifestyle interventions (diet/exercise) which are known to alter methylation patterns. Focus on sustainable metabolic health rather than quick fixes.
Based on previously published reports and our findings, the following paradigm emerges: higher methylation status of CPT1A results in decreased expression of the gene, which in turn is negatively correlated with BMI and WC.
Why this rating
The study is a large-scale epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) with successful replication in two independent cohorts (FHS and ARIC), though it is cross-sectional.
Source
Epigenome-wide study identifies novel methylation loci associated with body mass index and waist circumference
Stella Aslibekyan et al. · Obesity · 2015
DOI 10.1002/oby.21111
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