Genetic variation rs1121980 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is associated with dietary intake in Koreans

BACKGROUND: Fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is a well-known gene associated with body weight and obesity risk. Recent studies have suggested that genetic variations in FTO may play a role in the regulation of food preference and consumption. However, little is known with respect to Asian populations. OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether rs1121980 C > T in FTO is associated with food intake in Koreans. DESIGN: This study was performed using data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (Ansan/Ansung cohort). Dietary intake was determined using the semi-food frequency questionnaire, and the FTO rs1121980 genotypes of 6,262 individuals (3,049 males and 3,213 females) were analyzed along with sex and body mass index (BMI). RESULT: Genetic variation did not show a significant association with the population’s energy-nutrient intake. However, female T allele carriers with BMI ≥ 25 consumed more blue fish and coffee, and their coffee creamer consumption was decisively higher than that of T allele non-carriers (P (adjusted) = 0.004). In males, the presence of the T allele showed a putative association with the consumption of sweets, snacks, and coffee creamer by the BMI level. CONCLUSION: The FTO rs1121980 variation was associated with a preference for foods particularly high in fat (e.g. coffee creamer, blue fish, sweets, and snacks) in Koreans; these preferences varied by sex and BMI.