Cited by 80Nutrition, Genetics, and DiseaseGenetic Associations and EpidemiologyEating Disorders and Behaviors

Obesity and eating behavior from the perspective of twin and genetic research

Open access
Silventoinen, Karri, Konttinen, Hanna·2020·Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

Abstract

Obesity has dramatically increased during the last decades and is currently one of the most serious global health problems. We present a hypothesis that obesity is a neuro-behavioral disease having a strong genetic background mediated largely by eating behavior and is sensitive to the macro-environment; we study this hypothesis from the perspective of genetic research. Genetic family and genome-wide-association studies have shown well that body mass index (BMI, kg/m 2) is a highly heritable and polygenic trait. New genetic variation of BMI emerges after early childhood. Candidate genes of BMI notably express in brain tissue, supporting that this new variation is related to behavior. Obesogenic environments at both childhood family and societal levels reinforce the genetic susceptibility to obesity. Genetic factors have a clear influence on macro-nutrient intake and appetite-related eating behavior traits. Results on the gene-by-diet interactions in obesity are mixed, but emerging evidence suggests that eating behavior traits partly mediate the effect of genes on BMI. However, more rigorous prospective study designs controlling for measurement bias are still needed.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.012

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  • Higher BMI is influenced heavily by sedentary lifestyles, structural elements in the lived environment, affordability and availability of healthy foods, and marketing and promotion of unhealthy foods.

    “Higher BMI is influenced heavily by sedentary lifestyles, structural elements (e.g., parks, sidewalks, bicycle lanes) in the lived environment, affordability and availability of healthy foods (so-called “food deserts” are neighborhoods where fresh vegetables and fruits are not conveniently obtained), and marketing and promotion of unhealthy foods in society [22].”

    From Advantages and Limitations of the Body Mass Index (BMI) to Assess Adult Obesity (2024) · cites this paper as [22]

    The Introduction links physical activity to weight control and suggests that increased availability of processed fast food contributed to the obesity epidemic. It does not establish effects of parks, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, healthy-food affordability or “food deserts,” or marketing; it says the specific factors behind obesogenic environments remain poorly understood. (LLM, conf=0.88)

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Authors
Silventoinen, K., & Konttinen, H.
Affiliations
University of Helsinki (FI)
Corresponding author
Silventoinen, Karri
Venue
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2020-02
Volume
109
Pages
150-165
ISSN
0149-7634 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3000559009
Cited by
80
References
204
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 6
FWCI
1.55
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Työväentutkimus Vuosikirja (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Nutrition, Genetics, and Disease
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic Associations and Epidemiology
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
Keywords
obesity, dietary habits, twin studies, genetic susceptibility, body mass index, polygenic traits, heritability, candidate genes, brain gene expression, obesogenic environment, gene-diet interaction, appetite, macronutrient intake
MeSH terms
Feeding Behavior, Humans, Obesity, Body Mass Index, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Multifactorial Inheritance, Gene-Environment Interaction

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