Effect of Obesity-Linked FTO rs9939609 Variant on Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns in Physically Active Men and Women.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the fat mass and obesity-associated ( FTO ) locus are associated with obesity, but lifestyle factors may modulate the obesity risk related to FTO . This study examined the physical activity and dietary patterns of 528 physically active white men and women (mean (SD): 34.9 (9.5) years, 26.6 (4.3) kg·m-2 ) carrying different risk variants of FTO SNP rs9939609. Sex, age, and anthropometric measurements (stature, body mass, and waist circumference) were self-reported using an online questionnaire, and body mass index and waist-to-height ratio were calculated. Physical activity and eating behaviour were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), respectively. Body mass, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio were not significantly different between individuals expressing different FTO rs9939609 risk variants (all P ≥ 0.66). The cohort was physically active (4516 (3043) total MET min·week-1 ), although homozygous risk allele carriers (AA) displayed higher TFEQ cognitive restraint compared with nonrisk allele carriers (TT) (ES = 0.33 and P =0.03). In conclusion, obesity-related parameters were not different in physically active individuals expressing different risk variants of FTO rs9939609, although homozygous risk allele carriers exhibited higher cognitive restraint.