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A groundbreaking study from deCODE genetics, a subsidiary of Amgen, reveals that reducing Body Mass Index (BMI) could significantly decrease the risk of numerous diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and type 2 diabetes. Published in Nature Communications, the research emphasizes BMI’s pivotal role in the development of conditions commonly associated with obesity.
The study utilized genetic data from participants in Iceland and the UK Biobank to investigate how BMI-related genetic variants influence disease risk. The researchers found that for some conditions—such as fatty liver disease, glucose intolerance, and the need for knee replacements—the genetic association with the disease was entirely explained by BMI. In other cases, including type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart failure, BMI was a major factor, though not the sole contributor to disease risk.
Sex-Specific Insights
While the study observed similar patterns in men and women, it uncovered notable differences in certain diseases, particularly myocardial infarction (heart attack). These findings suggest that sex-specific biological factors might modulate how BMI affects disease risk, warranting further investigation.
Beyond BMI: Other Influential Factors
The researchers highlighted that while BMI is a significant driver of disease risk, other factors may play a role. For example, changes in BMI over time or variables strongly correlated with BMI—such as lifestyle and metabolic changes—might explain residual risks not accounted for by BMI alone.
Implications for Public Health
This research underscores the profound impact of maintaining a healthy BMI in reducing the burden of obesity-related diseases. The findings suggest that even modest reductions in BMI could result in substantial health benefits, particularly for conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, where BMI is a key determinant of risk.
“This study highlights the importance of targeting BMI as part of disease prevention strategies,” the authors noted, pointing to the potential for public health interventions that prioritize weight management.
Reference
The study, “Sequence variants associated with BMI affect disease risk through BMI itself,” was authored by Gudmundur Einarsson and colleagues from deCODE genetics and published on November 12, 2024. The full research is available in Nature Communications (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53568-9).
These findings provide actionable insights into how managing BMI could transform the fight against chronic diseases, highlighting an accessible lifestyle factor with profound health implications.
