Being Overweight Adds Distinct Epigenetic Marks to DNA

Extra weight that you may have put on during the holidays could not only appear around your belly, but also add epigenetic tags to your DNA, suggests a new study. Having a high body mass index (BMI) was linked to additional methyl tags found at more than 200 areas on the genome, which affects gene expression and could predict susceptibility to some diseases like diabetes.

“This issue is particularly relevant because an estimated one and a half billion people throughout the world are overweight,” said Dr. Simone Wahl from the Research Unit Molecular Epidemiology (AME) at Helmholtz Zentrum München and the first author of the study, “especially considering that being overweight can have adverse consequences and lead to diabetes and diseases of the cardiovascular and metabolic systems.”

A team of international scientists looked at the connection between BMI and the epigenetic mark known as DNA methylation. They used state-of-the-art technology to carry out one of the largest studies on the subject to-date, according to the researchers.

Previous studies have found that epigenetics may also have a hand in determining whether a person will become fat or lean in life, due to an epigenetic “obesity switch” being turned on or off. Common chemicals, such as phthalates found in plastics, have also been found to play a role in epigenetically programming someone for obesity by tipping the “epigenetic balance” of stem cells toward adipogenesis, or fat formation. What’s perhaps even more intriguing is that our parents’ weight may epigenetically contribute to our risk of disease even before we’re born.

In this study, the epigenetic signature in blood from more than 10,000 European men and women was examined. In a first group of over 5,300 samples, the team found that 207 gene loci showed an epigenetic change associated with BMI. Then, 187 of these candidate loci were confirmed in blood and adipose tissue in a secondary group of nearly 5,000 samples.

“In particular, significant changes were found in the expression of genes responsible for lipid metabolism and substrate transport, but inflammation-related gene loci were also affected,” said Harald Grallert, leader of the research group. They also pinpointed some epigenetic markers that predicted the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

With all association studies, it is difficult to determine whether the relationship is causal. In light of long-term observations and additional tests, however, the researchers showed that the epigenetic changes occurred as a result of being overweight.

“Genetic association analyses demonstrate that the alterations in DNA methylation are predominantly the consequence of adiposity, rather than the cause,” the group reported.

Overall, their data show how signaling pathways are impacted by obesity, and, according to the head of the AME, Christian Gieger, their study might help predict and potentially prevent type 2 diabetes. For a future direction, the researchers hope to eventually translate their findings into new prevention and treatment strategies for diabetes, enhancing human health and wellbeing.

Bailey Kirkpatrick

Source: Wahl, S. et al. (2016). Epigenome-wide association study of body mass index, and the adverse outcomes of adiposity. Nature, doi:10.1038/nature20784

Reference: Overweight Affects DNA Methylation . Helmholtz Zentrum München.22 Dec 2016. Web.

Published by dreddymd

Dr Eddy Bettermann MD focus on Biological Medicine (Biologische Medizin), Darkfield Microscopy (Dunkelfeld Mikroskopie), Orthomolecular Medicine (Orthomolekulare Medizin), Ayurvedic Medicine (Ayurveda), Psychosomatic Medicine (Psychosomatische Medizin), raw food (Rohkost), fasting (Fasten): Our primary integrative medicine goal is the maintenance of your health and wellness, and we are committed to safe and effective healthcare. Our specialties include online integrative medicine education by alternative doctor: food and allergy management through the use of Integrative medical therapy, Environmental Medicine, General Family Medicine, Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Chronic Fatigue, ADHD, autism, Fibromyalgia, Yeast/Fungus related diseases – Candidacies, mercury dental replacement and detoxification, Natural Thyroid Replacement, Weight loss, Lyme Disease, Irritable Bowel Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Addiction related programs, Intestinal Dysbiosis, as well as trigger point therapy using Neural Therapy. Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD, physician from Germany, consultant and teacher in biological medicine, especially dark field microscopy known as Live Blood Analysis in Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. But he lecture also in the USA, Canada and the U.A.E. He speaks english and german. https://dreddymd.com/2017/01/17/the-interactive-live-blood-cd-and-the-certified-training-live-blood-analysis-online-course/ https://dreddymd.com/courses/ https://dreddymd.com/2017/01/17/live-blood-microscopy-analysis-darkfield-course/ “Let thy Food be thy Medicine and thy Medicine be thy Food.” — Hippocrates Physician Member of the Medical Board at AOX Singapore, Medical Doctor at Nurse Mobile Clinic and Physician at DrEddy Clinic Our Mission: The mission of the Integrative Medicine is to search for the most effective treatments for patients by combining both conventional and alternative approaches that address all aspects of health and wellness – biological, psychological, social and spiritual. Biological Medicine is a big part of my work and so is Dark field Microscopy, what I use in my daily practice and what I teach more then 15 years in Asia and around the world: Live Blood Analysis in dark field based on Haematology. We utilize Live blood analysis since 2004, conventional as well as specialty laboratories for a thorough diagnostic work up of the disease in question. Our integrative medicine treatment regimens are especially unique and are tailored specifically to the individual needs of each patient. Our Mission: don’t harm, prevent, use food as medicine We are a reliable partner for integrative medicine in Medical Spa & Clinic Development and integrative medicine Education Training for alternative doctors – we bring different holistic approaches, like Integrative Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda Medicine together. On your request we offer our service in your place as well. Heavy metal poisoning Heavy metal poisoning is much more common than most people realize, and if you’re thinking that it doesn’t apply to you because you haven’t been exposed to any, think again. If you’ve eaten fish regularly, had amalgam fillings, received vaccinations, drank contaminated water, or done industrial or agricultural work or pharmaceutical manufacturing, there’s a good chance that you have a fair amount of toxic metals in your system.. We are here to help and to educate! Wishing your health and happiness Dr Eddy Bettermann MD Multimedia library https://bit.ly/2Wgqsd3 Protect you and your family from harmful radiation https://bit.ly/synergyscience-dreddymd More information about 5G and EMF: https://dreddymd.com/?s=5G+and+EMF Protocol https://amzn.to/2Nxsfql View all posts by dreddymd