Latest news with #23andMe
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
A new genetic test may be able to predict obesity in early childhood. What to know
More than 2 out of 5 adults in the U.S. are considered obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But what if there was a way to test children to find out if they're at higher risk for contracting the chronic condition while still having time to change their lifestyle? In a study published July 21 in the journal Nature Medicine, more than 600 scientists from 500 institutions worldwide compiled genetic data from more than 5 million people. Using data collected by The Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium – an international collaboration of human genetics researchers and 23andMe – a genetic measure known as polygenic risk scores (PGS) was developed to help identify children at higher risk of developing obesity in adulthood. Obesity is a serious, common and costly chronic condition characterized by excessive body fat, often defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. The American Medical Association considers it a significant public health concern, as it increases the risk of numerous conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. What does the study say? Researchers developed ancestry-specific and multi-ancestry polygenic risk scores and found they were about twice as effective as the risk assessments doctors currently use. For people with European ancestry, the newly developed risk score accounted for about 17.6% of a person's risk of developing a high BMI in adulthood. About 70% of participants whose genetic data was compiled in the study had predominantly European ancestry, 14.4% had Hispanic ethnicity with typically mixed ancestries, 8.4% had predominantly East Asian ancestry, 4.6% had predominantly African ancestry and 1.5% were of predominantly South Asian origin, according to the research. Ruth Loos, a co-author of the study, is a professor at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen. In an interview with NBC News, she explained, 'Obesity is not only about genetics, so genetics alone can never accurately predict obesity.' 'For the general obesity that we see all over the world, we need other factors, such as lifestyle, that need to be part of the predictions,' added Loos. Obesity increases the risk of nearly 200 diseases and can cause serious health conditions like asthma, strokes, Type 2 diabetes and some types of cancers. It was a risk factor in 3.7 million deaths in 2021. Globally, obesity in adults has more than doubled since 1990, with adolescent rates quadrupling, the World Health Organization reported. How can communities address obesity? Ensuring access to healthy foods, safe places for physical activity, stigma-free obesity prevention and treatment programs, and evidence-based health care services such as medication and surgery are examples of how to address and prevent obesity, according to the CDC. Director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Karen Hacker previously told USA TODAY that there is no singular approach to addressing the health concern. 'Obesity is a disease caused by many factors, including eating patterns, physical activity levels, sleep routines, genetics and certain medications. This means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, Hacker said. 'However, we know the key strategies that work include addressing the underlying social determinants of health, such as access to health care, healthy and affordable food and safe places for physical activity,' Hacker added. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A new genetic test may be able to predict obesity in early childhood Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
A genetic test could predict the odds of obesity, allowing for early interventions
A genetic test may one day predict a child's risk of obesity in adulthood, paving the way for early interventions. Certain genetic variants can affect how a person's body stores fat or make them more prone to overeating. Genetic variation can also predict how well a person will respond to different weight loss drugs. In a study published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, more than 600 researchers from around the world worked together to compile genetic data from more than 5 million people — the largest and most diverse genetic dataset to date. They also used genetic data from 23andMe. From the dataset, the researchers were able to create what's known as a polygenic risk score, which takes into account which genetic variants a person has that have been linked to a higher BMI in adulthood. The score, the researchers said, could be used to predict a person's risk of obesity as an adult — before they even turn 5. 'Childhood is the best time to intervene,' said study co-author Ruth Loos, a professor at the University of Copenhagen's Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research. (Research conducted at the center is not influenced by drugmaker Novo Nordisk, though some of the study authors had ties to pharmaceutical companies that make weight loss drugs.) The findings come as obesity is rising around the world. Rates of obesity in adults have more than doubled globally since 1990, and adolescent rates have quadrupled, according to the World Health Organization. About 16% of adults worldwide have obesity and the situation is worse in the United States, where more than 40% of adults have obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show. Twice as effective The new test is not the first that predicts a person's risk of obesity, but Loos and her team showed it was about twice as effective as the method doctors currently use to assess their patients. That polygenetic score can account for about 8.5% of a person's risk for having a high BMI as an adult. The new score increased that to about 17.6%, at least in people with European ancestry. 'That's a pretty powerful risk indicator for obesity, but it still leaves open a lot that is unknown,' said Dr. Roy Kim, a pediatric endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic Children's who was not involved with the research. Based on this score, more than 80% of a person's risk for obesity can be explained by other factors, such as where they live, what kinds of foods they have access to, and how much they exercise. The test was not nearly as effective in predicting obesity risk in non-Europeans. It explained about 16% of the risk for having a high BMI in East Asian Americans, but just 2.2% in rural Ugandans. About 70% of people whose data was included in the study were of predominantly European ancestry. About 14% were Hispanic and typically had a mix of ancestries. About 8% were of predominantly East Asian descent and just under 5% were of predominantly African ancestry. These samples were predominantly from African American people, who largely had mixed ancestry. Just 1.5% were of predominantly South Asian ancestry. Loos said the new score is a big step forward, but that it's still a prototype. The next step is to collect more — and more diverse — data on people with African ancestry in particular to improve how well the score works for everyone, not just white people. She said the score could offer one indicator — what high blood pressure is to heart disease, for example — that could help predict a person's risk of developing obesity. 'Obesity is not only about genetics, so genetics alone can never accurately predict obesity,' Loos said. 'For the general obesity that we see all over the world, we need other factors such as lifestyle that need to be part of the predictions.' Genetics play a bigger role in severe obesity, meaning a BMI of more than 40, she added. Still, identifying a person's genetic risk early on in childhood and intervening early with lifestyle coaching could make a big difference, she said. Research has shown that about 55% of children with obesity go on to have obesity in adolescence, and that about 80% of those individuals will have obesity in adulthood. 'Behavioral things are really important,' Kim said. 'Their environment, their access to healthy food, exercise opportunities, even their knowledge about healthy foods all affect a person's obesity risk.' How important are genetics, really? Although studies in identical twins have found that genetics can account for as much as 80% of the reason a person has obesity, lifestyle factors still play a huge role, Kim said. 'Even with the same genetic makeup, people can have different body types,' he said. 'From a very young age in my practice, we educate patients about the importance of eating protein-rich foods, a lot of fruits and vegetables and not too many refined carbs.' Dr. Juliana Simonetti, co-director of the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at the University of Utah, has been using genetic testing in her adult patients for about five years. She said understanding a person's genes can help doctors better treat weight gain. 'Obesity is not homogeneous. We have different kinds and different presentations,' said Simonetti, who wasn't involved with the new study. Simonetti uses a person's genes to determine if a patient struggles with satiety, or feeling full. 'They eat but do not feel full,' Simonetti said, adding that this is a disorder caused by genetic mutations affecting certain pathways in the body. People who have these mutations 'tend to have higher weight,' she said. But such mutations do not tell the whole genetic story of obesity, Simonetti said. The genes that a person inherits from either parent, even if they are not mutations, also determine how a person's body stores weight or uses energy. Both can play a big role in obesity risk. Genetic testing is also starting to be able to determine how well certain weight loss drugs will work for a person, Simonetti said, but she added this is just the beginning. 'We are talking about three out of 80 mutations that we can treat,' she said. 'We are getting better, and the more data we have, I'm hopeful that we are going to do a better job in being more precise in understanding treatment responses.' This article was originally published on Solve the daily Crossword
NBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- NBC News
A genetic test could predict the odds of obesity, allowing for early interventions
A genetic test may one day predict a child's risk of obesity in adulthood, paving the way for early interventions. Certain genetic variants can affect how a person's body stores fat or make them more prone to overeating. Genetic variation can also predict how well a person will respond to different weight loss drugs. In a study published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, more than 600 researchers from around the world worked together to compile genetic data from more than 5 million people — the largest and most diverse genetic dataset to date. They also used genetic data from 23andMe. From the dataset, the researchers were able to create what's known as a polygenic risk score, which takes into account which genetic variants a person has that have been linked to a higher BMI in adulthood. The score, the researchers said, could be used to predict a person's risk of obesity as an adult — before they even turn 5. 'Childhood is the best time to intervene,' said study co-author Ruth Loos, a professor at the University of Copenhagen's Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research. (Research conducted at the center is not influenced by drugmaker Novo Nordisk, though some of the study authors had ties to pharmaceutical companies that make weight loss drugs.) The findings come as obesity is rising around the world. Rates of obesity in adults have more than doubled globally since 1990, and adolescent rates have quadrupled, according to the World Health Organization. About 16% of adults worldwide have obesity and the situation is worse in the United States, where more than 40% of adults have obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show. Twice as effective The new test is not the first that predicts a person's risk of obesity, but Loos and her team showed it was about twice as effective as the method doctors currently use to assess their patients. That polygenetic score can account for about 8.5% of a person's risk for having a high BMI as an adult. The new score increased that to about 17.6%, at least in people with European ancestry. 'That's a pretty powerful risk indicator for obesity, but it still leaves open a lot that is unknown,' said Dr. Roy Kim, a pediatric endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic Children's who was not involved with the research. Based on this score, more than 80% of a person's risk for obesity can be explained by other factors, such as where they live, what kinds of foods they have access to, and how much they exercise. The test was not nearly as effective in predicting obesity risk in non-Europeans. It explained about 16% of the risk for having a high BMI in East Asian Americans, but just 2.2% in rural Ugandans. About 70% of people whose data was included in the study were of predominantly European ancestry. About 14% were Hispanic and typically had a mix of ancestries. About 8% were of predominantly East Asian descent and just under 5% were of predominantly African ancestry. These samples were predominantly from African American people, who largely had mixed ancestry. Just 1.5% were of predominantly South Asian ancestry. Loos said the new score is a big step forward, but that it's still a prototype. The next step is to collect more — and more diverse — data on people with African ancestry in particular to improve how well the score works for everyone, not just white people. She said the score could offer one indicator — what high blood pressure is to heart disease, for example — that could help predict a person's risk of developing obesity. 'Obesity is not only about genetics, so genetics alone can never accurately predict obesity,' Loos said. 'For the general obesity that we see all over the world, we need other factors such as lifestyle that need to be part of the predictions.' Genetics play a bigger role in severe obesity, meaning a BMI of more than 40, she added. Still, identifying a person's genetic risk early on in childhood and intervening early with lifestyle coaching could make a big difference, she said. Research has shown that about 55% of children with obesity go on to have obesity in adolescence, and that about 80% of those individuals will have obesity in adulthood. 'Behavioral things are really important,' Kim said. 'Their environment, their access to healthy food, exercise opportunities, even their knowledge about healthy foods all affect a person's obesity risk.' How important are genetics, really? Although studies in identical twins have found that genetics can account for as much as 80% of the reason a person has obesity, lifestyle factors still play a huge role, Kim said. 'Even with the same genetic makeup, people can have different body types,' he said. 'From a very young age in my practice, we educate patients about the importance of eating protein-rich foods, a lot of fruits and vegetables and not too many refined carbs.' Dr. Juliana Simonetti, co-director of the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at the University of Utah, has been using genetic testing in her adult patients for about five years. She said understanding a person's genes can help doctors better treat weight gain. 'Obesity is not homogeneous. We have different kinds and different presentations,' said Simonetti, who wasn't involved with the new study. Simonetti uses a person's genes to determine if a patient struggles with satiety, or feeling full. 'They eat but do not feel full,' Simonetti said, adding that this is a disorder caused by genetic mutations affecting certain pathways in the body. People who have these mutations 'tend to have higher weight,' she said. But such mutations do not tell the whole genetic story of obesity, Simonetti said. The genes that a person inherits from either parent, even if they are not mutations, also determine how a person's body stores weight or uses energy. Both can play a big role in obesity risk. Genetic testing is also starting to be able to determine how well certain weight loss drugs will work for a person, Simonetti said, but she added this is just the beginning. 'We are talking about three out of 80 mutations that we can treat,' she said. 'We are getting better, and the more data we have, I'm hopeful that we are going to do a better job in being more precise in understanding treatment responses.'
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
$6B valuation to bankruptcy: 23andMe acquired by nonprofit research institute TTAM, Anne Wojcicki announces
In a landmark shift for consumer genomics, Anne Wojcicki , the co-founder and former CEO of 23andMe, has announced the acquisition of the embattled DNA testing giant by her newly formed nonprofit, TTAM Research Institute . Once valued at nearly $6 billion, 23andMe has faced financial challenges, a public data breach, and declining consumer interest in recent years. Now, through a $305 million court-approved bankruptcy sale, the company's core operations, including its genetic testing and research services, will transition to a nonprofit model. Wojcicki, who personally led the acquisition effort, said the move is rooted in a firm belief: 'Everyone should continue to have the ability to learn about and benefit from their DNA,' and a nonprofit structure is the most ethical way to preserve that mission. She will serve as the head of TTAM, reaffirming her commitment to placing people over profits in the future of genomic science. Why a nonprofit takeover of 23andMe matters At the heart of the TTAM acquisition is a philosophical realignment of 23andMe's founding values. According to Wojcicki, the company was always meant to empower individuals to understand themselves at the deepest level, through their DNA. She emphasized that the code of life is not just a personal tool but a scientific frontier that benefits everyone. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo By removing shareholder pressure and prioritizing public interest, TTAM aims to return to those roots. The organization will focus on ethically driven research, privacy protection, and expanding access to genetic insights, particularly for underserved populations. Wojcicki's vision resonates with urgency and passion. She said it has been sharpened by the recent personal losses of her father, sister, and nephew. These events, she shared publicly, have redirected her energy toward giving back to society with research and helping people benefit from learning about their genome. Deal specifics and legal hurdles The acquisition was executed under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, a provision that allows distressed companies to sell assets quickly and with court approval. TTAM's $305 million bid outpaced an earlier offer from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Despite objections from several U.S. states over privacy concerns related to genetic data, the court ultimately sided with TTAM, requiring that consumers be notified and retain the right to delete their data. This legal safeguard ensures that customer control over sensitive genetic data remains intact, which Wojcicki has confirmed will continue under TTAM's leadership. Preserving customer access and privacy Wojcicki emphasized that current users will continue receiving DNA insights and ancestry reports without interruption. More importantly, TTAM is reinforcing 23andMe's commitment to data privacy, transparency, and informed consent. Over 80 percent of 23andMe's 15 million users have opted into research programs, a statistic Wojcicki proudly cited in her announcement. She credited this engaged community with powering more than 275 peer-reviewed publications across cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological conditions. This research model will remain fully opt-in, and data use will be clearly communicated to users. In her words, 'We are stronger and more powerful to make discoveries when we come together as a single community.' Reinvigorating research and science The transition to nonprofit status is expected to supercharge research efforts, with TTAM pledging to invest $84 million in operations over the next year. While 23andMe's contributions to science have already been significant, Wojcicki envisions a more inclusive, mission-driven approach targeting global health disparities and diseases that affect underrepresented populations. She called the pursuit of understanding DNA one of the most exciting scientific missions of our lifetime, emphasizing the 99.5 percent genetic similarity among all humans as a basis for uniting research and discovery across borders. By removing commercial pressures, TTAM seeks to transform 23andMe into a global engine for health equity, scientific collaboration, and breakthrough innovation. Anne Wojcicki's renewed leadership For Wojcicki, returning to lead 23andMe under TTAM is both a professional and personal turning point. After years of regulatory battles, Wall Street pressures, and internal setbacks, she is now free to lead with a clear, mission-first mandate. She framed her return as a personal calling, saying, 'My passion is 23andMe… the opportunity to help everyone benefit from learning about their genome with a healthier life is a personal mission where I am dedicating my resources and my time.' This next chapter, she said, will be defined by transparency, ethics, diversity, and inclusion, a model she hopes will inspire a new era of socially responsible biotech innovation. The future of personal genomics TTAM's acquisition of 23andMe marks a bold experiment. Can personal genomics thrive outside of the profit-driven corporate model? With Wojcicki at the helm and a powerful community of users behind it, the answer may well be yes. As Wojcicki put it, 'The future of healthcare belongs to all of us, and it's in our power to make a difference.' With continued public engagement, user-driven research, and an emphasis on health outcomes over quarterly earnings, 23andMe under TTAM has the potential to reimagine the role of DNA in everyday life.
Washington Post
17-07-2025
- Washington Post
23andMe is out of bankruptcy. You should still delete your DNA.
Nearly 2 million people protected their privacy by deleting their DNA from 23andMe after it declared bankruptcy in March. Now it's back with the same person in charge — and I still don't trust it. Nor do the attorneys general of California, North Carolina, Maryland and Connecticut, who each told me they still recommend people delete their accounts. There are ways to do it even if you have forgotten your log-in information. Tell family members, too.
