Genetic variation rs1121980 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is associated with dietary intake in Koreans

Abstract

Background: Fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is a well-known gene associated with body weight and obesity risk. Recent studies have suggested that genetic variations in FTO may play a role in the regulation of food preference and consumption. However, little is known with respect to Asian populations.
 Objective: This study examined whether rs1121980 C > T in FTO is associated with food intake in Koreans.
 Design: This study was performed using data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (Ansan/Ansung cohort). Dietary intake was determined using the semi-food frequency questionnaire, and the FTO rs1121980 genotypes of 6,262 individuals (3,049 males and 3,213 females) were analyzed along with sex and body mass index (BMI).
 Result: Genetic variation did not show a significant association with the population’s energy-nutrient intake. However, female T allele carriers with BMI ≥ 25 consumed more blue fish and coffee, and their coffee creamer consumption was decisively higher than that of T allele non-carriers (Padjusted = 0.004). In males, the presence of the T allele showed a putative association with the consumption of sweets, snacks, and coffee creamer by the BMI level.
 Conclusion: The FTO rs1121980 variation was associated with a preference for foods particularly high in fat (e.g. coffee creamer, blue fish, sweets, and snacks) in Koreans; these preferences varied by sex and BMI.

The Impact of Haplotypes of the FTO Gene, Lifestyle, and Dietary Patterns on BMI and Metabolic Syndrome in Polish Young Adult Men

“…A study enrolling over 6000 Koreans has shown that rs1121980 A allele carriers with a BMI ≥ 25 consumed more blue fish, organ meat, coffee, and coffee creamer. No such correlation was found in normal-weight males, although overweight and obese female rs1121980 A allele carriers consumed more sweets [ 52 ]. Although in our study FTO polymorphisms did not appear to affect dietary habits, it is nevertheless possible that the influence of FTO polymorphisms would be significant under a different diet than the one our patients had.…”

Gene–Diet Interactions: Viability of Lactoferrin-Fortified Yoghurt as an Element of Diet Therapy in Patients Predisposed to Overweight and Obesity

“…Carriers of at least one A allele at SNP rs1121980 are more prone to the occurrence of grade II (BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m 2 ) and III (BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m 2 ) obesity. Additionally, they are more likely to consume high-fat foods that contribute to excessive energy supply from the diet [10][11][12]. Also, the presence of the T allele at SNP rs7903146 is associated with the occurrence of carbohydrate disorders, i.e., lack of improvement in insulin sensitivity, and the G allele at SNP rs10830963 is associated with worse results in weight reduction while on a reduction diet [16,19].…”

“…It has been evidenced that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1121980 in the FTO gene is also related to an increased risk of class II (BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m 2 ) and III (BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m 2 ) obesity in women in the Mexican population [10]. In the Korean population, individuals with BMI ≥ 25 who were carriers of the T allele were found to have a particular preference for consuming fatty foods, i.e., fish, coffee cream, candy, and snacks [11]. In the Slovak population, the CC variant of the polymorphism rs1121980 has a protective effect against obesity compared to the TT variant.…”

Genetic variant panel allows predicting both obesity risk, and efficacy of procedures and diet in weight loss

“…FTO has been associated with leptin concentration, as well as alterations in HDL and triglyceride levels ( 29 , 30 ). These SNPs have also been linked to dietary intake, leptin levels, and body mass distribution ( 31 , 32 ). However, our study did not find any association between these SNPs and weight loss in any of the intervention groups.…”