STAT

A new genetic test can offer clues — and only clues — to a person’s risk of obesity

A new genetic test, unveiled Thursday, aims to forecast a person’s chances of becoming obese.

Researchers have long probed DNA for one big ticking time bomb linked to disease. But in the quest to predict risk for common conditions, they’re increasingly looking for thousands of genetic variants that on their own are wimpy — but may collectively wield a powerful detonation force.

It’s all being done to build so-called , which attempt to gauge how a multitude of genetic alterations affect a person’s chances of everything from or . The latest such predictor,, aims to forecast a person’s chances of becoming obese.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from STAT

STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About An Amgen Obesity Drug, A Senate Bill On Shortages, And More
Amgen will no longer develop an early-stage obesity pill, and will instead focus on a more advanced injectable candidate to compete with Wegovy and Zepbound.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About AstraZeneca CEO Pay, Alternatives To WuXi And More
And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans.…
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About FTC Fighting ‘Junk’ Patents, Pfizer Direct-to-consumer Plans, And More
The FTC expanded its campaign against pharmaceutical companies for filing what it calls “junk” patent listings for 20 different brand-name treatments.

Related Books & Audiobooks