Obesity Science & Practice · Published 2026-01-07 · DOI 10.1002/osp4.70112
ABSTRACT Background and Objective Obesity affects 18%–25% of adolescents globally and represents a major public health challenge. Genetic factors contribute to obesity susceptibility, with the FTO gene variant rs9939609 consistently associated with obesity in adults; however, evidence in adolescents is limited. This study examined the association between FTO and obesity traits in adolescents and explored potential interactions with vitamin D status. Methods In this cross‐sectional study, 509 adolescents aged 10–15 years were genotyped for FTO rs9939609. Obesity traits, including BMI, BMI z‐score, and waist circumference, were assessed. Associations with genotype were analyzed using an additive genetic model, and potential interactions with vitamin D status were evaluated. Results The A allele was significantly associated with higher adiposity: BMI (β = 1.29 kg/m2, p = 0.0008) and waist circumference (β = 3.24 cm, p = 0.001). Each additional risk allele increased the odds of having overweight or obesity by 53% (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.19–1.98, p = 0.001). No significant interaction was observed between FTO and vitamin D status (p > 0.05). Conclusion This first report from the Arabian Gulf region confirms the association between FTO rs9939609 and adiposity in adolescents, underscoring the contribution of genetic factors to obesity risk in young populations.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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