FTO and MC4R gene variants determine BMI changes in children after intensive lifestyle intervention

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between common FTO (rs17817449) and MC4R (rs17782313) gene variants and body mass reduction or weight loss after a one-month lifestyle intervention in overweight/obese children. Design and methodsWe genotyped 357 unrelated non-diabetic Czech children (age 13.7±4.9years, average BMI at baseline 30.8±4.6kg/m2). Biochemical and anthropometrical measurements were performed before and after 4weeks of lifestyle interventions (comprising a reduction in energy intake to the age-matched optimum and a supervised exercise program consisting of 5 exercise units per day, 50min each). ResultsThe mean weight loss achieved was 6.2±2.1kg (P<0.001). Significant associations were found between a BMI decrease and the FTO and MC4R variants. Carriers of the FTO GG genotype and/or MC4R CC genotype lost significantly more body weight compared to noncarriers (P<0.0009 for BMI and P<0.002 for body weight). These differences remained significant following adjustment for sex, age and baseline values (P=0.004 for BMI and P=0.01 for body weight). ConclusionsFTO and MC4R gene variants modify the impact of an intensive lifestyle intervention on BMI decrease in overweight/obese children. Carriers of the FTO GG genotype and MC4R CC genotype benefit significantly more from the lifestyle intervention.