Sat Feb 01 21:45:00 IST 2025: ## Indian Study Uncovers Genetic and Socioeconomic Factors in Childhood Obesity

**New Delhi, February 1, 2025** – A groundbreaking genetic study has revealed a complex interplay between genetics and socioeconomic status in determining childhood obesity in India. Researchers from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and other Indian institutions, publishing their findings in the journal *Obesity*, analyzed data from nearly 6,400 children aged 9-18.

The study, utilizing both Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Exome-wide Association Studies (ExWAS), identified several novel genetic variants associated with childhood obesity. These variants were found to influence various pathways related to metabolism, triglyceride levels, and hunger regulation. The research also confirmed the presence of previously known obesity-related genes in the Indian population.

Significantly, the study highlighted the strong influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on obesity risk. Children from urban private schools, representing higher SES, showed a higher prevalence of obesity, while those from rural government schools, representing lower SES, had a higher prevalence of underweight. This disparity persisted even when considering genetic predisposition, demonstrating a powerful gene-environment interaction. Researchers attributed this difference to lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. Children in higher SES groups tended to consume more processed foods and have less active lifestyles, while rural children had more active lifestyles but lacked access to nutritious food.

“This study underscores the importance of considering both genetic susceptibility and environmental factors when addressing childhood obesity,” said Dr. Dwaipayan Bharadwaj, a corresponding author from JNU. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions tailored to different socioeconomic groups to combat the growing problem of childhood obesity in India.

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