Can Genomics Help Solve the Global Obesity Crisis?

The prevalence of obesity worldwide has nearly tripled since 1975. Governments globally have introduced various measures to combat this issue, targeting factors such as cheap fast food, large portion sizes, and sedentary behaviors. However, a new study by BGI Group and the Chinese Academy of Sciences suggests that advancements in genomics could hold the key to addressing this escalating problem.

In 1975, cases of obesity in children were extremely rare outside of developed nations, with only 0.3 percent of individuals aged 5 to 19 in developing countries classified as obese. Fast forward 40 years, and this number has dramatically risen, with over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 now identified as overweight or obese.

This crisis is not limited to the younger population; adults are equally impacted. By 2030, experts forecast that almost half of all adults will be obese, and one in four will be severely obese.

Who or What is Responsible?

The surge in obesity is often attributed to our “obesogenic environment,” with the abundance of cheap fast food, oversized portions, and sedentary lifestyles being singled out as major contributors.

Kimberley Neve, a Research Assistant at the Centre for Food Policy, articulates, “Even individuals putting in significant effort to lose weight are hindered by the pervasive availability of unhealthy food options – they are convenient, inexpensive, and instantly gratifying.”

In response to this challenge, governments globally have introduced a range of regulations aimed at combating obesity. For example, earlier this year, the UK government implemented new requirements for large eateries, pubs, and bakeries to disclose the calorie count of each dish on menus and food delivery platforms. This followed the introduction of a tax on sugary drinks in 2018 and a £10 million advertising campaign emphasizing the advantages of maintaining an active lifestyle.

While legislative efforts to alter our “obesogenic environment” may help address the obesity crisis to some extent, recent research published in Nature by BGI Group and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with research teams from various countries, suggests that simply reducing processed food consumption and exercising more is only part of the solution. The study points to genomics innovations as the key to tackling obesity.

Since 2006, genome-wide association studies have identified over 50 genes linked to obesity. This implies that individuals with specific genetic variations may perpetually struggle with weight management, irrespective of their physical activity levels or dietary restrictions. A study from 2007 revealed that individuals with a genetic predisposition to obesity weigh on average 3kg more than those with the lowest risk and have 15 percent more body fat.

Expanding on this research, a scientific team utilized cutting-edge single-cell sequencing technology to examine the genetic makeup of macaque monkeys, which share 95 percent of their DNA with humans. Through this exploration of cell function and organ composition, led by BGI-Research, the team produced the most comprehensive map of non-human cells to date, unveiling distinct gene expressions that dictate cell characteristics. Of particular significance in understanding obesity is the identification of cells that have developed abnormalities hindering effective calorie metabolism, a critical aspect contributing to obesity.

Significance of the Study Findings

By laying the groundwork for personalized medicine, the research published in Nature sets the stage for developing obesity treatments that target specific cells to enhance heat metabolism.

The study’s implications extend beyond obesity treatment to other healthcare challenges. Through the use of single-cell technology by BGI Group and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, insights into the human body’s inner workings have been greatly enriched, offering valuable insights for combating a range of diseases from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to cancer and Covid-19.

The advancement in single-cell technology has revolutionized our understanding of non-human cells. In the same way that advancements in mapping technology have enhanced our comprehension of Earth’s geography from ancient parchment maps to modern digital maps like Google Maps, the cell maps generated through single-cell technology have the potential to revolutionize disease understanding and treatment.

It is evident that over the past half-century, obesity rates worldwide have surged significantly, posing a global health crisis in both developed and developing nations. While traditional approaches to addressing obesity have centered on lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, the study by BGI Group suggests that genomics is poised to play a crucial role in combating this escalating problem.