Integrating genetic susceptibility into obesity risk prediction: Evidence from Jambi Malays with low-to- moderate physical activity

Abstract

Background: Obesity results from interactions between genetic susceptibility and lifestyle. The association between FTO rs9939609 and obesity phenotype varies across populations, while the added value of genotype information in predictive models remains limited in Southeast Asia. Objective: To determine the association between FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and obesity, and to evaluate its contribution to predictive models incorporating demographic and lifestyle variables. Methods: A case–control study was conducted among 126 Malay adults (63 obese, 63 non-obese). Anthropometric indices, physical activity, and dietary intake were assessed. Genotyping of FTO rs9939609 was performed using the Tetra-ARMS PCR method. Logistic regression evaluated genotype–phenotype associations, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis assessed model discrimination. Results: Carriers of the AT genotype had higher odds of obesity than AA (adjusted OR = 3.20; 95 % CI 1.25–8.17; p = 0.015), while TT was not significant. Under the dominant model (AT + TT vs AA), T-allele carriers had nearly a three-fold increased risk (adjusted OR = 2.77; 95 % CI 1.13–6.82; p = 0.027). Incorporating genotype data improved prediction (AUC = 0.716 vs 0.655). Conclusion: The FTO rs9939609 variant contributes independently to obesity risk among Malay adults in Jambi and modestly enhances prediction accuracy when combined with lifestyle variables. Integrating genetic information may improve precision-based obesity-prevention strategies in Indonesian populations.

Keywords

• FTO rs9939609
• obesity
• genetic susceptibility
• prediction model
• malay population
• Indonesia