The interaction between genetic polymorphisms in FTO, MC4R and MTHFR genes and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in relation to obesity

Aims: To investigate the potential interaction between genetic background and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, macronutrient intake and physical activity with regard to obesity in a sample of healthy adults. Design: Cross-sectional epidemiological study including 392 adults living in the Mediterranean basin. Data including FFQ, IPAQ and sociodemographic questionnaires were collected via face-to-face interviews. Anthropometric measures were performed and saliva swab for DNA extraction. Two MD scores were calculated to assess the adherence of the population to this pattern. Three single nucleotid polymorphisms (SNPs) related to obesity were studied: FTO, MC4R, MTHFR. Findings: FTO rs9939609 is significantly associated with WHR, and MC4R with all phenotypic traits linked to obesity (BMI, WC and WHR). However, MTHFR polymorphism didn't show any significant correlation with anthropometric parameters. Adherence to the MD and high level of physical activity do not seem to protect against the occurrence of overweight and obesity in genetically predisposed subjects. Conclusion: Classic lifestyle interventions are insufficient in addressing the challenging obesity pandemic. Identifying more genetic variants and understanding their interaction with lifestyle will improve the clinical outcome of these variants for risk prediction and personalized nutrition and medical therapy. Also, the MD should undergo a redefinition adapted to each country on the Mediterranean basin in order to organize public health measures for its comeback.

Automated summary

The study found that FTO rs9939609 was significantly associated with WHR, and MC4R was associated with all phenotypic traits linked to obesity (BMI, WC and WHR). However, the MTHFR polymorphism did not show significant correlation with anthropometric parameters. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and high levels of physical activity do not seem to protect against overweight and obesity in genetically predisposed individuals.