Effect of obesity-linked FTO rs9939609 variant on physical activity and dietary patterns in physically active men and women

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine physical activity and dietary patterns in physically active individuals carrying different risk variants of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).\n\nMethodsA total of 528 white men and women (mean (SD): 34.9(9.5) years, 26.6(4.3) kg{middle dot}m-2) were genotyped for FTO rs9939609 SNP. Sex, age and anthropometric measurements (stature, body mass, waist circumference) were self-reported using an online questionnaire, and body mass index and waist-to-height ratio were calculated. Physical activity level and eating behaviour were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), respectively.\n\nResultsBody mass, body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio were not significantly different between individuals carrying different FTO rs9939609 risk variants (all P[≥]0.66). The cohort was physically active (4516(3043) total MET min{middle dot}week-1), although risk allele carriers (AT/AA) reported higher total physical activity (effect size = 0.22, p=0.03), and homozygous risk allele carriers (AA) displayed higher TFEQ cognitive restraint (effect size = 0.33, p=0.03) compared with non-risk allele carriers (TT).\n\nConclusionsObesity-related parameters were not different in physically active individuals carrying different risk variants of FTO rs9939609, but higher physical activity and cognitive restraint in risk allele carriers may reduce genetic predisposition to weight gain.