B4451 - Genotypes phenotypes and environmental correlates of success in weight loss maintenance for children and adolescents - 05/12/2023

B number: 
B4451
Principal applicant name: 
Zhenmi Liu | West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University (P.R.China)
Co-applicants: 
Dr. Chenghan Xiao, Dr. Chuan Yu
Title of project: 
Genotypes, phenotypes, and environmental correlates of success in weight loss maintenance for children and adolescents
Proposal summary: 

Leveraging the genomic and observational data, this study can contribute to revealing the mystery of weight maintenance after weight loss: In most existing obesity interventions, weight loss is always followed by a weight plateau and then weight regain. Only about 15 - 25% of individuals can achieve and maintain a 10% or more significant weight loss with ongoing intervention. In this context, the mystery of weight loss maintenance should be revealed to compare the interactions of weight loss and maintenance.

Therefore, this study aims to explore the genotypes, phenotypes, and environmental correlates of success in weight loss maintenance for children and adolescents by leveraging the genomic and observational data from ALSPAC. According to ALSPAC anthropometry data and the WHO BMI-for-age standards, overweight individuals whose BMI achieves a normal weight range in follow-up years will be enrolled in the analyses. The degree of weight regain will be estimated by the fluctuation of BMI z-scores in follow-up years. This study can be beneficial to interventions aiming at sustaining lost weight, one of the most challenging problems for most individuals with obesity.

Impact of research: 
Based on genotypic, phenotypic, and environmental analyses, our research will be beneficial to interventions aiming at sustaining lost weight, one of the most difficult problems for most individuals with obesity.
Date proposal received: 
Thursday, 16 November, 2023
Date proposal approved: 
Monday, 27 November, 2023
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Obesity, Gene mapping, GWAS, Metabolomics, Proteomics, Statistical methods, Biomarkers - e.g. cotinine, fatty acids, haemoglobin, etc., BMI, Cohort studies - attrition, bias, participant engagement, ethics, Childhood - childcare, childhood adversity, Environment - enviromental exposure, pollution, Genetic epidemiology, Growth, Mendelian randomisation, Mothers - maternal age, menopause, obstetrics, Metabolic - metabolism