BACKGROUND & AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the association between the homozygous fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO rs9939609) risk genotype and body weight, body mass index (BMI), and binge eating behavior in a women cross-sectional study. Specifically, it sought to assess whether the FTO polymorphism correlates with increased BMI and scores on the Binge Eating Scale (BES).
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 80 women who provided data on body weight, BMI, and BES scores. Genotypic analysis for the FTO rs9939609 gene was performed, grouping participants into three genotypes: TT (wild-type), AT (heterozygous), and AA (homozygous risk). Anthropometric measures were collected either in person or through self-reported methods. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis tests, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression to assess associations between genotype and study outcomes.
RESULTS: The AA homozygous genotype was significantly associated with higher body weight and BMI compared to the TT and AT groups (p = 0.004 and p = 0.008, respectively). Moreover, AA carriers exhibited higher BES scores, indicating a greater predisposition to binge eating behavior (p = 0.043). Logistic regression revealed that the AA genotype had a higher odds ratio for elevated body weight, BMI, and BES scores compared to the TT genotype.
CONCLUSIONS: The FTO rs9939609 polymorphism, particularly the homozygous risk genotype (AA), is associated with increased body weight, BMI, and binge eating behavior in women. These findings highlight the genetic contribution to obesity and eating disorders, offering potential implications for personalized interventions targeting those at higher genetic risk.
ETHICAL APPROVAL: Universidade Federal de São Paulo Ethics Committee (CEP-UNIFESP No.0565/2018).
