Communications Biology (Sep 2021)

Composite trait Mendelian randomization reveals distinct metabolic and lifestyle consequences of differences in body shape

  • Jonathan Sulc,
  • Anthony Sonrel,
  • Ninon Mounier,
  • Chiara Auwerx,
  • Eirini Marouli,
  • Liza Darrous,
  • Bogdan Draganski,
  • Tuomas O. Kilpeläinen,
  • Peter Joshi,
  • Ruth J. F. Loos,
  • Zoltán Kutalik

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-02550-y
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 1
pp. 1 – 13

Abstract

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Jonathan Sulc et al. use principal component analysis and Mendelian randomization to conduct a comprehensive analysis of 14 body morphology metrics using data from the UK Biobank. Their results suggest that body size and adiposity have distinct impacts on obesity-related outcomes and highlight a BMI-neutral component affecting body fat distribution, providing further insight into the genetic basis of body shape and its consequences on human health and lifestyle.