The employment of the nutrigenomic tool in the prevention and reduction of obesity problems: a review

Abstract

Introduction: The use of the nutrigenomics tool in the prevention and reduction of obesity problems. Objective: To discuss, through the literature, the interaction between genes, nutrient, and their association with obesity, to convey to the health professional a broader and more detailed and understandable view of the advantages of using nutrigenomics in the prevention or aggravation of this morbidity condition. Methods: Exploratory bibliographic research for its development, articles found in the scientific electronic databases Scielo, Medline, Bireme, and Latin American Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) in the area of nutrigenomics indexed in the years 2012 to 2018 were selected. Results: Concerning obesity, several studies prove that the control of the need for food intake is affected by polymorphisms in genes encoding peripheral signaling peptides, such as insulin, leptin, and adiponectin. In addition, it is also affected by energy homeostasis that involves changes in PLIN and UCPs genes. Diets based on nutritional needs, nutritional status, and genotype are factors in the prevention and control of obesity and several chronic diseases. Conclusion: Nutrigenomics represents the latest in nutrition science. Health professionals need to know and scientifically debate this new science, showing the health benefits it grants and directing actions that enable the future insertion of this practice in the context of population programs based on public policies for the construction of new paradigms related to the treatment of obesity.