Communications Biology (Sep 2021)
Composite trait Mendelian randomization reveals distinct metabolic and lifestyle consequences of differences in body shape
Abstract
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.