Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39690244›Full record

ReviewPediatric research2025

The expanding landscape of genetic causes of obesity.

Ekaterina Semenova, Alex Guo, Harry Liang, Cindy J Hernandez, Ella B John, Vidhu V Thaker

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Pediatric research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
5citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

5 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Review
  3. Article
  4. Article
  5. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Ekaterina SemenovaDivision of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Alex GuoDivision of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Harry LiangVagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
Cindy J HernandezDivision of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Ella B JohnDivision of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Vidhu V ThakerDivision of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. vvt2114@cumc.columbia.edu.

Funding

RESEARCH TRAININGP30DK026687 · NIDDK · ST. LUKE'S-ROOSEVELT INST FOR HLTH SCIS · PI Anthony W Ferrante, DYMPNA GALLAGHER · 1986 to 2026
$33.0M
Genetics of Early Childhood Obesity and its Clinical ImplicationsK23DK110539 · NIDDK · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · PI THAKER, VIDHU V. · 2016 to 2021
$996k
NIDDK NIH HHS K23 DK110539NIDDK NIH HHS P30 DK026687
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Obesity and weight regulation disorders are determined by the combined effects of genetics and environment. Polygenic obesity results from the combination of common variants in several genes which predisposes the individual to obesity and its related complications. In contrast, monogenic obesity results from changes in single genes, especially those in leptin-melanocortin pathway, and presents with early onset severe obesity, with or without other syndromic features. Rare variants in melanocortin 4 receptor are the commonest form of monogenic obesity. In addition, structural variation in small or large segments of chromosomes may also present with syndromic forms of obesity. Prader-Willi Syndrome, caused by imprinting errors in chromosome 15q11-13, is the most prevalent genetic cause of severe hyperphagia and obesity. With the advances in technologies, the past decade has witnessed a revolution in the identification of novel genetic causes of obesity, primarily in genes related to the leptin melanocortin pathway. The availability of safe melanocortin analogs holds the potential for targeted therapies for some of these disorders. This review summarizes known and novel rare genetic forms of obesity, along with approaches for the clinical investigation of copy number and sequence variants. The goal is to provide a reference for practicing clinicians to encourage genetic testing in obesity. IMPACT: What does this article add to the existing literature? Genetic obesity is an expanding frontier with potential to change management. Here, we summarize current information on the genetic causes of obesity and provide guidance for genetic testing. Emerging treatments may provide targeted precise treatment and change management practices.

Indexed as

ObesityDNA Copy Number VariationsGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseHumansLeptinMelanocortinsPhenotypePrader-Willi SyndromeReceptor, Melanocortin, Type 4LeptinMC4R protein, humanMelanocortinsReceptor, Melanocortin, Type 4

Identifiers

PMID39690244
PMCPMC12242282

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.