Genetic test predicts adult obesity in children so young as age 5

Your DNA Could Determine Your Risk of Obesity as an Adult, According to New Study

A groundbreaking genetic test has been developed that can predict whether a child will be obese as an adult. This test, known as a polygene risk score (PGS), combines various genetic risk variants to calculate an individual’s predisposition to serious obesity later in life.

Published in the prestigious Nature Medicine magazine, a global study revealed that the PGS can identify the risk of obesity in early childhood, allowing for early intervention strategies to be implemented. Researchers from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen found that the test could be conducted as early as age 5, before significant weight gain occurs.

The study, which involved over 600 scientists from 500 institutions worldwide, analyzed genetic data from more than five million individuals to create the most comprehensive genetic dataset to date for developing the PGS. Results showed that the PGS was twice as effective as previous tests in predicting obesity risk, accounting for approximately 17.6% of a child’s likelihood of developing a high Body Mass Index (BMI) as an adult.

Lead researcher Roelof Smit emphasized the importance of early intervention, stating, “At the moment, intervention can have a huge impact.” The test’s ability to predict obesity well before other risk factors become apparent makes it a powerful tool for preventive healthcare.

Co-author Ruth Loos, a professor at the University of Copenhagen, hailed the new PGS as a significant advancement in genetic testing for obesity risk. She noted that individuals with a higher genetic predisposition to obesity were more responsive to lifestyle-weight loss interventions, achieving faster results than those with lower genetic risk.

Early prevention strategies, such as lifestyle interventions, can help combat obesity from a young age. (Istock)

While the new PGS shows promise in predicting obesity risk, the researchers acknowledged its limitations in populations of different ethnic backgrounds. The test was found to be more accurate in individuals of European descent compared to those of African descent.

With the potential to revolutionize obesity prevention and management, the PGS offers a glimpse into the future of personalized healthcare based on genetic insights. Stay informed about the latest health news by visiting Foxnews.com/Health.