Every person is unique, and this uniqueness can be understood and measured by ‘phenotypes’. Unlike its genetic counterpart, 'genotype', a phenotype is a visible trait, such as the colour of your eyes and hair or your height. It even extends to behavioural characteristics like the way you walk or talk. While our genes lay the foundation for these traits, the environment in which we live plays a significant role in shaping them.
Consider identical twins. Genetically, they share the same DNA, yet one may develop obesity while the other does not. This highlights the interplay of genes and the environment.
People living with obesity are not all alike. Our bodies react differently to our environment, leading to different 'obesity phenotypes'. This diversity can be seen across different populations, with certain obesity phenotypes more frequent in specific regions. For example, while abdominal obesity (excess fat focused around the stomach) is prevalent in South Asia, other areas of the world may have different dominant obesity phenotypes. Diversity is also evident between men and women. For example, women are more likely to store peripheral fat around their buttocks, hips, and thighs than men.
Obesity is often associated with metabolic issues, which are problems with the processes in your body that convert the food you eat into energy and other compounds necessary for survival. These issues can include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, widespread inflammation, and low levels of “good” fats. However, individuals with obesity may not always have metabolic issues, and individuals with a normal weight may not always have healthy metabolic responses.