Abstract: A global team of scientists has uncovered 13 genes that play a crucial role in obesity, thanks to the power of biobanks and diverse ancestry studies. Using genetic data from over 839,000 people across six populations, researchers identified new obesity-linked genes, including YLPM1, RIF1, GIGYF1, SLC5A3, and GRM7, which increase the risk of severe obesity nearly threefold. Unlike older studies that focused mostly on Europeans, this cross-ancestry analysis highlights how genes behave differently across populations, reminding us that health and genetics are deeply tied to diversity.
The study also reveals that these genes don’t just influence weight, they’re connected to brain function, diabetes, and even mental health. For instance, YLPM1 was linked to both obesity and altered mental states, while GIGYF1 affected insulin signaling and type 2 diabetes risk. These discoveries show that obesity isn’t just about diet, it’s written deep within our biology. By tapping into vast biobank data from around the world, scientists are finally piecing together the complex genetic puzzle behind obesity and moving toward more inclusive and effective treatments.
Read the full article here: Discovery of obesity genes through cross-ancestry analysis | Nature Communications
