Summary
This retrospective cohort study of 3124 US participants from the All of Us Research Program examined how genetic predisposition to obesity (assessed via polygenic risk score) modulates the physical activity required to prevent obesity onset. The BMI PRS was associated with an 81% increased obesity risk, whilst mean step count demonstrated a 43% risk reduction; individuals with high genetic risk (75th PRS percentile) required approximately 2280 additional daily steps (11 020 total) compared to those at the 50th percentile to achieve comparable obesity risk, indicating that one-size-fits-all physical activity guidelines may be insufficient for genetically susceptible populations.
UK applicability
The findings support personalised physical activity recommendations based on genetic risk profiles, which could inform UK public health guidance; however, the study population was predominantly of European ancestry and used personal activity trackers, limiting direct applicability to broader UK demographic groups and those without device access.
Key measures
Daily step counts (median 8326 steps/day); polygenic risk score (PRS) for BMI; incident obesity (BMI ≥30); median follow-up 5.4 years
Outcomes reported
The study measured incident obesity (BMI ≥30) over a median follow-up of 5.4 years in relation to daily step counts and polygenic risk score (PRS) for BMI. Obesity incidence ranged from 13% in the lowest PRS quartile to 43% in the highest quartile.
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