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A pioneering international study has led to the development of a genetic test capable of predicting the risk of adult obesity in children as young as five years old. This breakthrough tool utilizes a “polygenic risk score” (PGS), offering a significant leap forward in early prevention strategies for obesity—a condition facing epidemic growth worldwide.
The test, built from genetic data sourced from over five million individuals in one of the largest and most diverse datasets ever assembled, calculates a child’s genetic risk for developing obesity later in life. Notably, it has demonstrated double the predictive power of previous methods and aims to identify children at higher risk before lifestyle and environmental factors take hold.
“What makes this score so powerful is its ability to predict, before the age of five, whether a child is likely to develop obesity in adulthood, well before other risk factors start to shape their weight later in childhood. Intervening at this point can have a huge impact,” said Assistant Professor Roelof Smit, lead author at the NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen.
Obesity, associated with serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, is becoming increasingly prevalent—over half the world’s population is expected to be overweight or obese by 2035. Experts believe genetic screening tools like the PGS could become powerful allies in this health battle by enabling targeted early interventions, such as personalized diet and exercise plans, for children at the greatest genetic risk.
Researchers also found that individuals with a higher genetic risk score respond more positively to lifestyle and weight loss interventions, but are more likely to regain weight once interventions end. This insight could help tailor treatment approaches for at-risk groups.
Despite its promise, the tool has limitations. The PGS was most accurate in predicting obesity for people of European ancestry, and less accurate for those of African ancestry—highlighting a need for further research to ensure its global effectiveness and equity.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Genetic tests like the polygenic risk score are not determinative of an individual’s future health and should be interpreted in context with clinical guidance. Speak to a healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions based on genetic testing.
