Obesity

Genetics of Obesity

Studies have identified variants in several genes that may contribute to body fat distribution and ultimately weight gain and; although, only in a few cases are genes the primary cause of obesity. Candidate gene and genome-wide association studies have led to the discovery of nine loci concerned in Mendelian forms of obesity and 58 loci contributes to polygenic obesity. These loci justify a small fraction of the heritability for obesity and many genes remain to be discovered.