Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 16: A groundbreaking international study has revealed that genetic differences may explain why some individuals with obesity remain metabolically healthy, while others develop serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Led by researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (USA) and the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), the study analyzed genetic data from 452,768 individuals. It identified 205 regions of the genome where certain variants were linked to increased body fat but surprisingly better metabolic health outcomes.

Using this data, scientists created a genetic risk score to assess how these variants influence health. Interestingly, people with higher genetic scores were more likely to be obese but less likely to experience the usual metabolic complications associated with obesity. The key, researchers suggest, lies in how fat cells function differently across individuals.

Protective Genes Show Early Effects in Children

One of the most striking findings is that these genetically protective effects are observable in children. Kids carrying the favorable variants tended to develop obesity but did not show early warning signs of metabolic disease, such as abnormal blood sugar or lipid levels.

“Our study shows that obesity is not a single condition — it's made up of different subtypes, each with its own risks,” said Nathalie Chami, Instructor of Environmental Medicine and AI & Human Health at Mount Sinai.

By identifying the genetic subtypes of obesity, researchers believe they can better predict, prevent, and personalize treatment for obesity-related conditions.

Eight Obesity Subtypes Discovered

The team identified eight distinct obesity subtypes, each associated with unique health risks. This could revolutionize how doctors approach obesity — shifting from a one-size-fits-all model to more targeted interventions based on an individual’s genetic makeup.

“These insights may help doctors determine who is at greater risk for complications, and may inspire treatments that mimic the protective genetic mechanisms,” added Dr. Chami.

Obesity Still Carries Health Risks

While the findings are promising, experts caution that the study does not suggest obesity is harmless.

“Most people with obesity still face serious health risks, and lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity remain crucial,” said Zhe Wang, Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Study Based on UK Biobank Data

The study used data from the UK Biobank, focusing on individuals of European ancestry. Researchers conducted a multi-trait genome-wide screen, examining three types of body fat (adiposity traits) and eight cardiometabolic traits, such as blood lipids, glucose regulation, and blood pressure.

“By identifying biological pathways that separate body fat from its related diseases, this research opens the door to better personalized care, early interventions, and even childhood prevention strategies,” said Professor Ruth Loos, a senior author from the University of Copenhagen.

Looking Ahead

The researchers aim to expand their work to more diverse populations in future studies. The ultimate goal is to decode the biology behind healthy vs. unhealthy obesity, offering tailored treatments that consider both genetic and lifestyle factors — and potentially transforming the way obesity is understood and managed worldwide.