Allele-specific Differences of FTO and MC4R Genes in the Energy and Nutrient Intakes and Eating Behavior of Filipino Adolescents in Selected Areas in Metro Manila, Philippines

Abstract

The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) and melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R) genes were associated with obesity risk through their effect on eating behavior and nutrient intake. This study aimed to assess whether energy and nutrient intake and eating behavior were different between risk and non-risk allele carriers of FTO rs9939609, FTO rs1421085, and MC4R rs17782313. The polymorphisms were genotyped in 280 adolescents from Taguig City and Pateros in Metro Manila, Philippines. Energy and macronutrient intake were assessed by a five- day food diary, and a Filipino-translated Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18) was used to capture the eating behavior of the study participants. Except for fat intake, adolescents carrying the risk C allele of FTO rs1421085 were found to have a significantly higher mean intake of energy, protein, and carbohydrates (P < 0.05) than their non-risk T allele counterparts. When grouped according to alleles of FTO rs9939609, FTO rs1421085, and MC4R rs17782313, no significant differences were observed in the eating behavior of the participants. The rs1421085 variant of the FTO gene might play a role in nutrient intake, but none of the obesity-related genetic polymorphisms that were examined posed differences in eating behavior.