Obesity

Polygenic risk

People with high polygenic risk scores are 2 to 6 times more likely to develop obesity than are people who aren't in the high-risk category.

This estimate is based on data about people of African, Asian, European, and Hispanic or Latino ancestry. Information is lacking or not available for those of other ancestries.

For participants with a high polygenic risk score, recommendations include:

• Counsel the participant and, if possible, the participant's family about diet, physical activity, sleeping and electronic screen habits.
• Assess for conditions related to obesity and recommend treatment or ongoing screening as needed.
• Consider referral to a dietitian to assess eating habits, find room for improvement, and help the person make healthy choices.
• Consider referral to a healthy weight program.