Genetische obesitas: Nieuwe diagnostische mogelijkheden

Obesity is an important risk factor for morbidity and premature death, as well as a contributing factor to psychosocial problems. The incidence of obesity has increased dramatically over the last few decades. Obesity is considered to be a multifactorial condition in which both environmental factors and genetic factors play a part. In approximately 5% of patients with morbid obesity, a monogenic cause can be identified. Mutations in the MC4R gene are the most frequently occurring monogenic cause of obesity. The department of Genetics at the VU University Medical Center Amsterdam offers morbidly obese patients a diagnostic analysis of 50 obesityassociated genes. An underlying obesityassociated genetic defect can influence patient response to certain treatments. Therefore, if the gene defect is known, it can be taken into account when considering treatment options. The understanding of the genetics of obesity will significantly contribute to research into the development of personalized treatment options.