Gene-Lifestyle and Gene-Pharmacotherapy Interactions in Obesity and Its Cardiovascular Consequences

Obesity is a highly prevalent complex trait that raises the risk of other chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, sleep apnea, and cardiovascular disease, and shortens lifespan. Clinical intervention studies focused on weight loss and epidemiological studies of obesity indicate that genetic variation may modify the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and weight loss or weight gain. Similar observations have also emerged from pharmacogenetic studies. The literature includes several reports from these studies, but few examples of interactions have been adequately replicated. In this review we introduce the topics of population genetics and gene x environment interaction research. We also provide a systematic review of the published literature on gene x lifestyle (physical activity and dietary factors) and gene x drug interactions in relation to obesity. Finally, we overview the scope and findings from these studies and discuss some of their strengths and limitations.