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

Abstract

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. This study examined whether rs1121980 C > T in FTO is associated with food intake in Koreans. 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). 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 (P adjusted = 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. 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.