CORRELATION BETWEEN FTO GENE POLYMORPHISM AND ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES IN OBESE AND NON-OBESE ADULTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
FTO gene, rs9939609, obesity, anthropometric indices, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular risk, genetic polymorphism, Indian population
Abstract
Background:
Obesity, a multifactorial disorder influenced by environmental and genetic factors, has reached epidemic proportions globally. Among genetic contributors, the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene polymorphism, particularly the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs9939609, has been implicated in body mass regulation and metabolic risk. However, its association with obesity and related anthropometric and biochemical indices remains underexplored in North Indian populations.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and anthropometric parameters in obese and non-obese adults, and to investigate its relationship with metabolic risk factors including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) indicators.
Methods:
A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 participants aged 35–60 years, equally divided into obese (BMI >24.9 kg/m²) and non-obese (BMI <18.5 kg/m²) groups. Anthropometric measures (BMI, WC, HC, WHR), physiological parameters (SBP, DBP), and biochemical markers (HbA1c, lipid profile) were assessed. FTO rs9939609 genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP. Data were statistically analyzed using t-tests, chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression.
Results:
Obese participants had significantly higher BMI, WC, HC, and body fat percentage (p<0.0001). The AT genotype of FTO rs9939609 was more prevalent in obese (41.3%) and diabetic individuals (48.6%) and was significantly associated with increased risk of obesity (OR=2.103) and T2DM (OR=3.128, p<0.000). The AT genotype correlated with elevated HbA1c, lower HDL, higher VLDL, and increased SBP and DBP. Regression analysis confirmed the FTO polymorphism as a strong predictor of metabolic risk. Gender-wise, females showed higher obesity prevalence and metabolic derangements.
Conclusion:
The FTO rs9939609 polymorphism, particularly the AT genotype, is significantly associated with increased adiposity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension in the North Indian adult population. These findings highlight the gene’s potential as a predictive biomarker for metabolic syndrome, warranting its consideration in personalized preventive strategies targeting obesity and its comorbidities.
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Dr. Anant Sachan
Associate professor, Rajkiya Medical College, Jalaun Orai.
Dr. Brajesh Ranjan
Associate professor, Rani Durgavati Medical College, Banda
Dr. Ankur Saxena
Associate professors, Naraina Medical College & Research Centre, Kanpur