Impact of genetic variants on the development of obesity and clinical complications

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a multifactorial disease characterized by abnormal growth of adipose tissue and chronic low-grade inflammation state, associated with multiple metabolic alterations. In addition to environmental factors, several single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in genes encoding cytokines, adipokines, and chemokines have been linked to maintenance of the inflammatory state and development of obesity-related clinical complications. Results: Variants in genes such as NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, TNF-α, and GPX1 have been associated with increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, promoting insulin resistance, and increasing the risk of obesity. Likewise, genetic variants in ACTN3, ADIPOQ, LEPR, and IRS1 influence the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism, increasing the risk to dyslipidemia, adiposity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. These findings support a comprehensive clinical approach that considers genetics, inflammation, and adipose tissue function for the management of obesity. Conclusion: Obesity remains one of the major public health challenges worldwide, recognized as a complex disease influenced by genetic, metabolic, environmental, and psychological factors. A multidisciplinary approach and the study of genetic variants enable the identification of predisposition markers that support the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies. However, healthcare is a personal and collective responsibility that involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and promoting comprehensive care for physical and mental well-being to prevent and avoid the development of this disease.