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Associations between body mass index-related genetic variants and adult body composition: the Fenland cohort study

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Clifton, EAD 
Wareham, NJ 

Abstract

Background/Objective: Body mass index (BMI) is a surrogate measure of adiposity but does not distinguish fat from lean or bone mass. The genetic determinants of BMI are thought to predominantly influence adiposity but this has not been confirmed. Here we characterise the association between BMI-related genetic variants and body composition in adults.

Subjects/Methods: Among 9667 adults aged 29-64 years from the Fenland study, a genetic risk score for BMI (BMI-GRS) was calculated for each individual as the weighted sum of BMI-increasing alleles across 96 reported BMI-related variants. Associations between the BMI-GRS and body composition, estimated by DXA scans, were examined using age-adjusted linear regression models, separately by sex.

Results: The BMI-GRS was positively associated with all fat, lean and bone variables. Across body regions, associations of the greatest magnitude were observed for adiposity variables e.g. for each standard deviation (SD) increase in BMI-GRS predicted BMI, we observed a 0.90 SD (95% CI: 0.71, 1.09) increase in total fat mass for men (P=3.75×10‾²¹) and a 0.96 SD (95% CI: 0.77, 1.16) increase for women (P=6.12×10‾²²). Associations of intermediate magnitude were observed with lean variables e.g. total lean mass: men: 0.68 SD (95% CI: 0.49, 0.86) (P=1.91×10‾¹²); women: 0.85 SD (95% CI: 0.65, 1.04) (P=2.66×10‾¹⁷) and of a lower magnitude with bone variables e.g. total bone mass: men: 0.39 SD (95% CI: 0.20, 0.58) (P=5.69×10‾⁵); women: 0.45 SD (95% CI: 0.26, 0.65) (P=3.96×10‾⁶). Nominally significant associations with BMI were observed for 28 SNPs. All 28 were positively associated with fat mass and 13 showed adipose-specific effects.

Conclusion: In adults, genetic susceptibility to elevated BMI influences adiposity more than lean or bone mass. This mirrors the association between BMI and body composition. The BMI-GRS can be used to model the effects of measured BMI and adiposity on health and other outcomes.

Description

Keywords

Absorptiometry, Photon, Adult, Body Composition, Body Mass Index, Bone Density, Cohort Studies, England, Female, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Genetic Variation, Humans, Linear Models, Male, Middle Aged, Obesity, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide, Risk Factors, Socioeconomic Factors

Journal Title

International Journal of Obesity

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0307-0565
1476-5497

Volume Title

41

Publisher

Nature Publishing Group
Sponsorship
MRC (1509953)
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_12015/5)
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_12015/4)
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_12015/3)
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_12015/2)
MRC (MC_PC_13046)
Department of Health (via National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)) (NF-SI-0512-10135)
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_12015/1)
MRC (unknown)
MRC (5PV0E)
Medical Research Council (MC_EX_MR/L100002/1)
Medical Research Council (MC_U106179471)
Medical Research Council (MC_U106179474)
Medical Research Council (MC_U106179472)
Medical Research Council (MC_U106179473)
Medical Research Council (MC_PC_13046)
The Fenland Study is supported by the Medical Research Council (MC_U106179471). This work was supported by the Medical Research Council [Unit Programme numbers MC_UU_12015/2 and MC_UU_12015/1]. Genotyping was supported by the Medical Research Council (MC_PC_13046)