Assessing the Role of MC4R Gene Variants and Dietary Habits in the Development of Obesity Among Adolescents

Background:Obesity among adolescents is a growing public health concern, influenced by both genetic predispositions and modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet. Objective:To assess the association between MC4R gene variants and dietary habits in the development of obesity among adolescents in Pakistan. Methodology:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to October 2024 at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, including 260 adolescents aged 12–18 years. Anthropometric data were collected, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated using WHO growth reference standards. Dietary patterns were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Saliva samples were genotyped for MC4R rs17782313 polymorphism using PCR-based methods at the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, Lahore. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Results:Of the 260 participants, 18.46% (n = 48) were obese and 21.54% (n = 56) were overweight. Genotypic distribution revealed 56.92% (n = 148) with TT, 30.00% (n = 78) with TC, and 13.08% (n = 34) with CC genotype. Obesity was present in 12.16% of TT, 25.64% of TC, and 29.41% of CC genotypes (p = 0.004). High fast food consumption (≥3 times/week) and daily intake of sugar-sweetened beverages were significantly associated with obesity (p < 0.01). Logistic regression showed the CC genotype (OR = 3.08), high fast food intake (OR = 2.97), and low physical activity (OR = 1.79) as independent predictors of obesity. Conclusion:MC4R gene variants significantly increase obesity risk in adolescents, especially when combined with unhealthy dietary habits