Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2009; 117(4): 194-197
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1087176
Short Communication

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Variation in the FTO Gene Influences Food Intake but not Energy Expenditure

A. Haupt 1 , C. Thamer 1 , H. Staiger 1 , O. Tschritter 1 , K. Kirchhoff 1 , F. Machicao 1 , H.-U. Häring 1 , N. Stefan 1 , A. Fritsche 1
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetology, Endocrinology, Nephrology and Angiology, Clinical Chemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received 07.07.2008 first decision 13.08.2008

accepted 25.08.2008

Publication Date:
03 December 2008 (online)

Abstract

Polymorphisms in the FTO (fat mass- and obesity-associated) gene are associated with obesity. The mechanisms how genetic variation in this gene influences body weight are unknown. Body weight is determined by energy intake/storage and energy expenditure. In this study, we investigated whether genetic variation in FTO influences energy expenditure or food intake in carefully phenotyped subjects. In 380 German subjects, insulin sensitivity was measured by a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Lean body mass and body fat were quantified using the bioimpedance method. Indirect calorimetry was used to estimate the metabolic rate. Food intake was assessed using food diaries (mean 11±1 d) in 151 subjects participating in a lifestyle intervention program to prevent diabetes. All subjects were genotyped for the FTO single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs8050136. The risk allele of SNP rs8050136 was associated with higher body fat-related parameters (all p≤0.04, additive inheritance model). Energy expenditure was not affected by the SNP. However, the risk allele of rs8050136 was significantly associated with higher energy intake (p=0.01, dominant inheritance model) during dietary restriction. Our data suggest that the increased body weight in carriers of the risk allele of FTO SNP rs8050136 is a consequence of increased food intake, but not of impaired energy expenditure.

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Correspondence

Prof. Dr. med. A. Fritsche

Medizinische Klinik IV

Universität Tübingen

Otfried Müller Straße 10

72076 Tübingen

Germany

Phone: +49/7071/298 05 90

Fax: +49/7071/29 59 74

Email: andreas.fritsche@med.uni-tuebingen.de