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Intergenerational transmission of obesity


Obesity is a chronic lifelong disease which contributes significantly to ill health and premature death. The complex interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors can be studied through intergenerational transmission of obesity. Using a mixed method approach, this project aims to give new insights and identify new areas for prevention of obesity passed on in families.

Project period: 01.09.2023 - 01.09.2027

The obesity epidemic affects all ages and socioeconomic groups. The family history of obesity, i.e., the genetic susceptibility, and the individual’s energy balance, i.e., the energy intake from food and energy expenditure from physical activity, are main predictors of weight gain throughout life. The combination of shared genetic and environmental factors can be studied through intergenerational transmission, previously shown in studies of children and adolescents. Studies of the effect of intergenerational transmission of obesity and the individual’s energy balance in adulthood is lacking.

Our objective is to identify new target areas for improved obesity prevention and treatment, using a mixed method approach. With available data from the population-based Tromsø Study and family-linkage from the Population Register, we will study the intergenerational transmission of obesity and association with energy intake and energy expenditure, to identify actionable targets to reduce the risk of obesity to be passed on in families. With new qualitative interview data, we will explore personal experiences with obesity in families and the use of health care services, to identify key areas for improvement of follow-up of patients with obesity.

Specific aims:

  1. To examine the association between the individual’s BMI and the parent’s BMI in relation to the individual’s energy balance in a cross-sectional analysis
  2. To study the trend over time in the association between the individual’s BMI and the parent’s BMI in a longitudinal analysis
  3. To explore lived experiences of obesity in the family, energy balance, social conditions, and interaction with health care services.

Members

Laila Arnesdatter Hopstock (Principal investigator)
Mari Mikkelsen
Tom Wilsgaard
Sameline Grimsgaard
Anne-Sofie Sand