Variation in the fat mass and obesity-related (FTO) genotype is not associated with body fatness in infants, but possibly with their length

Pediatr Obes. 2014 Oct;9(5):e112-5. doi: 10.1111/ijpo.231. Epub 2014 May 21.

Abstract

Background: Data relating variation at the fat mass and obesity-related (FTO) locus (rs9939609) to fat mass in infancy are inconclusive.

Objective: To study relationships between FTO genotype and infant size (at 1 and 12 weeks and at 1 year of age) and body composition (at 1 and 12 weeks).

Methods: Body composition was assessed using air displacement plethysmography in 207 infants. FTO was genotyped using the TaqMan assay.

Results: The number of risk alleles was related to length at 1 and 12 weeks (P = 0.007-0.033) but not to fat mass. The relationship to length was stronger in boys than in girls.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the FTO genotype is not related during infancy to fat mass but is related to length in boys but not in girls.

Keywords: Body composition; FTO; fat mass; infant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity
  • Alleles
  • Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Body Composition
  • Body Fat Distribution*
  • Body Height*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Obesity / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics
  • Proteins / genetics*
  • Sex Distribution

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO
  • FTO protein, human