Genomics’ latest groundbreaking research, showcased at the Bupa Health Symposium, shows that a person’s genetic background is a key driver for their BMI and therefore is crucial to understanding their risk of obesity. Figure A. Average BMI trajectories from birth into their twenties for individuals in different groups depending on their genetics.
Those with the highest genetic scores (top 3 % of PRS) are shown in red, those with median scores in green, and those with the lowest genetic scores (lowest 3 % of PRS) in blue. The Figure is based on analysis of the ALSPAC longitudinal study which followed over 10,000 children from their birth in 1990. Image Credit: Genomics This new research shows that from a young age, a person’s BMI is strongly correlated with their genetics, as measured using polygenic risk scores (PRS).
(See Figures A and B below.) The influence of genetics on BMI becomes more pronounced into young adulthood and middle age. New research showing BMI strongly driven by genetics By the time a child reaches their 4th birthday, their BMI is already associated with their genetics.
Adults in their 20’s with relatively high PRS scores for BMI will typically experience, over the next twenty years of their lives, an increase in BMI which is three times that experienced by those with relatively low PRS scores. Genetics impacts everyone’s BMI, from an early age and throughout their lives. But it turns out that the impact of genetics is significantly greater for p.
