Research
DiOGenes Project
Diet, Obesity and Genes project
There is strong evidence that environmental factors influence whether people develop obesity, but we do not have a clear and consistent understanding of those factors. One major reason for this is that weight gain in each person is influenced by multiple, interacting, influences including social, economic, lifestyle, physical activity and diet. By looking at large populations as a whole it is hoped that factors that influence obesity can be identified.
The DiOGenes project is a European study looking at the associations between diet, genetics and the risk of obesity, weight gain and other metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes. The project involves 34 partners from 14 countries across Europe. The MRC Epidemiology Unit is involved in several aspects of the study.
Analysis of the association between fat intake and weight gain
This involves the study of 140,000 people around Europe. We are looking at the association between weight gain and eating different types and amount of fat. Fat intake is being assessed through a questionnaire that volunteers are asked to complete. We are then using the measurement of the volunteers’ weight and waist circumference to quantify obesity. This information is analysed to find associations between diet and weight gain.
Effects of genes and diet in weight gain
We coordinate the research subgroup that aims to identify interactions between genes and diet that affect weight change. We are looking at 6,000 people that are classified as weight gainers and 6,000 control individuals. All of these people are having their genes analysed. In particular we are looking at genes that we know are sensitive to sugar (glucose) or protein as well as other genes that are known to be involved in obesity. When the data has been collected, the Unit, along with our DiOGenes collaborators, will analyse the information for associations and interactions between genes, diet and weight gain.
For more information on DiOGenes visit their website at www.diogenes-eu.org.
