HYDERABAD– Indians with a genetic predisposition to obesity may benefit more from lifestyle changes and targeted nutrient supplementation than from relying solely on genetic predictions, according to a new study by researchers at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) in Hyderabad.

The study highlights that many gene variants previously linked to obesity in European populations do not have the same impact on Indians. This reinforces the understanding that the genetic and physiological patterns of obesity differ across populations. In particular, Indians tend to exhibit more central (abdominal) obesity, a key risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

Led by Dr. Giriraj Ratan Chandak, the CSIR-CCMB team analyzed the genomes of Indian individuals—including both diabetics and those with normal glucose levels—who have been tracked for nearly two decades. This long-term data set offered unique insights into the genetic basis of obesity among Indians.

The study found that the Polygenic Risk Score (PRS)—a tool used to predict the likelihood of developing obesity—was far more accurate for individuals with European ancestry than for those of South Asian descent. Using Indian data, researchers developed a population-specific PRS model that better reflects obesity risk in South Asians.

To further understand how genetic risk interacts with lifestyle, the team examined responses to diet and exercise interventions. Interestingly, individuals with a high genetic risk of obesity showed stronger initial responses to lifestyle interventions but were more prone to regaining weight once those interventions stopped.

“Our findings suggest that, in Indians, environmental and lifestyle factors like diet and nutrition may play an equal or greater role than genetic factors in predicting obesity,” said Dr. Chandak. “Therefore, personalized lifestyle solutions or specific nutrient supplementation, when aligned with genetic background, could offer better results.”

This research echoes Dr. Chandak’s earlier findings showing significant differences between Indian and European populations in the genetic basis of non-communicable diseases.

The CSIR-CCMB study is part of a global collaboration involving over 600 researchers across 500 institutions. The international team used genetic data from the GIANT consortium and consumer DNA firm 23andMe, drawing on a dataset of over 5 million individuals from diverse populations, including India.

As part of this global effort, scientists developed an advanced PRS capable of predicting obesity risk in early childhood. This new test is reportedly twice as effective as previous models and can identify children as young as five who are genetically predisposed to adult obesity.

“What makes this score so powerful is its predictive ability well before other risk factors emerge,” said Assistant Professor Roelof Smit of the University of Copenhagen, lead author of the study published in Nature Medicine. “Early intervention in such cases could have a significant long-term impact.” (Source: IANS)