What are the predisposing risk factors for obesity?

From the Guidelines

Predisposing risks for obesity include genetic variants, obesogenic environments, depression, insufficient sleep, and low socioeconomic status, which all contribute to a chronic energy imbalance and increased risk of obesity. According to a recent review published in JAMA in 2023 1, obesity is influenced by multiple factors, including genetic variants that are implicated in its development, with most forms of obesity having polygenic risk factors. The environment also plays a significant role, with adverse workplace, school, social, and home environments, known as “obesogenic environments,” affecting physical and social structures, such as the availability of fast-food restaurants, poor neighborhood walkability, and perceived safety risks, which can limit physical activity and healthy food options 1. Additional risks include a bidirectional association between depression and obesity, wherein each diagnosis is associated with increased risk of developing the other, as well as insufficient sleep and low socioeconomic status, which can all contribute to obesity risk 1. Some key points to consider include:

• Genetic variants implicated in obesity development
• Obesogenic environments that limit physical activity and healthy food options
• Bidirectional association between depression and obesity
• Insufficient sleep and low socioeconomic status as additional risks
• The importance of understanding these predisposing factors for developing effective prevention strategies and personalized treatment approaches for obesity management.

From the Research

Predisposing Risks in Obesity

The predisposing risks in obesity are multifaceted and can be attributed to various factors. Some of the key risks include:

• Genetic factors: Genetics is known to play a substantial role in the predisposition to obesity, with certain genes and gene variants contributing up to 70% risk for the disease 2
• Socioeconomic and cultural influences: Obesity is the result of complex relationships between genetic, socioeconomic, and cultural influences, with consumption patterns, urban development, and lifestyle habits influencing the prevalence of obesity 3
• Disease or pharmacologic treatment: Certain diseases or pharmacologic treatments can also contribute to the development of obesity 3
• Environmental factors: The obesogenic environment can interact with genetic factors to contribute to the development of obesity, with polygenic obesity being the most common form 2

Interplay between Genetic and Environmental Factors

The interplay between genetic and environmental factors is complex, with genetic obesity risk not always translating into actual obesity development 2. This suggests that environmental factors, such as lifestyle habits and consumption patterns, can influence the development of obesity.

• Rare but serious forms of monogenic obesity typically appear in early childhood, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in certain cases 2
• Polygenic obesity, on the other hand, demonstrates a strong interplay between genes and the obesogenic environment, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to obesity prevention and intervention 2

Lifestyle and Behavioral Factors

Lifestyle and behavioral factors, such as diet and physical activity, can also contribute to the development of obesity.

• The management of obesity comprises lifestyle changes targeting nutrient content, eating behavior, and regular physical activity 4
• Interventions such as intermittent fasting have been explored as a potential solution for metabolic disorders, although the current scientific evidence is limited 4