Scientists Identify 11 Distinct Types of Obesity, Each with Unique Causes

Swift Summary

• Recent research suggests obesity may exist in up to 11 types, caused by distinct biological pathways known as “endotypes.”
• Obesity, traditionally measured using BMI, can be further categorized based on genetic and metabolic characteristics.
• Researchers analyzed genome-wide data from over 2 million individuals globally, identifying 743 genetic regions linked to obesity-86 of which were newly discovered.
• The new categorization includes metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity, six types relating to insulin regulation, and clusters linked to immune system dysregulation, hormonal control of appetite/weight, and lipid metabolism.
• These endotypes frequently enough coexist within an individual rather than being mutually exclusive.
• validation was performed using data from over 48,000 participants from the Mass General Brigham Biobank.
• The findings suggest that understanding these distinct forms could lead to more targeted treatments for obesity-personalizing care based on specific biological mechanisms.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This groundbreaking study redefines the understanding of obesity by categorizing it into biologically distinct endotypes. For India-a country grappling with rising rates of diabetes and other lifestyle diseases related to weight management-it offers critical insights. With six out of the eleven variants tied directly to insulin regulation issues-and given India’s high diabetic population-the potential for personalized interventions that address root causes could revolutionize healthcare strategies. Moreover, this nuanced approach challenges reliance solely on BMI as a diagnostic tool in India’s medical framework. Adoption of such advanced research methods could pave the way for better prevention policies targeting region-specific genetic factors. However, replication studies are needed before application in clinics can become practical globally-including within India’s diverse population.