Body Mass Index (BMI) (Anderson, 2020)

STUDY TITLE: The derived allele of a novel intergenic variant at chromosome 11 associates with lower body mass index and a favorable metabolic phenotype in Greenlanders

SUMMARY: Identification of a novel region on chromosome 11 associated with lower body mass index, lower insulin resistance, and favorable blood lipid levels.

OVERVIEW:  Obesity is a serious health problem that is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic risk factors. It is increasing in prevalence worldwide. Although genome-wide association studies have identified ~1,000 genetic variants associated with body mass index (BMI), which is a proxy of obesity, these genetic variants only explain ~6% of the heritability of BMI. In this study, researchers examined genomes of over 4,600 Greenlanders. This is an isolated population that harbors genetic diversity not found elsewhere, to identify additional genetic variants associated with BMI. They discovered a genetic variant on chromosome 11, rs4936356, located in an intergenic region. The effect allele is significantly associated with lower BMI, lower insulin resistance, and favorable blood lipid levels.

DID YOU KNOW? Historically, Greenlanders had to endure extended periods of fasting due to limited food supply. Due to their geographic location, their diet is high-fat, primarily comprised of fish. Therefore, it is possible that their enhanced ability to burn fat instead of storing it has put them at lower risk of developing obesity. [SOURCE]

SAMPLE RESULTS: Learn more about the Nebula Research Library.

BMI sample results

BMI-ASSOCIATED VARIANTS: rs4936356

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Overweight and obesity
Body mass index (BMI)

WEEKLY UPDATE: February 8, 2020

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