Genetic risk, body mass index, and weight control behaviors: Unlocking the triad

Abstract

Background: The relationship between genetic risk for body mass index (BMI) and weight control behaviors remains unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine the association between genetic risk for BMI and weight control behaviors in young adults, and to examine actual measured BMI as a potential mediator variable. Method: We analyzed data from three data collection waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The BMI polygenic score (PGS) was based on published genome-wide association studies for BMI. BMI was collected at 11–18 years and 18–26 years. Weight control behaviors included self-reported: (a) weight loss behaviors (dieting, vomiting, fasting/..