Philippine Journal of Science
151 (1): 25-34, February 2022
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 02 Sep 2021
Allele-specific Differences of FTO and MC4R Genes
in the Energy and Nutrient Intakes and Eating Behavior
of Filipino Adolescents in Selected Areas
in Metro Manila, Philippines
Jacus S. Nacis, Mildred A. Udarbe, Maria Julia Golloso-Gubat,
Edward Vincent J. Magtibay, Rod Erick L. Agarrado,
Angelique Q. Tongco, and Maria Cristina P. Tañada
Nutrition and Food Research and Development Division
Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute
Taguig City 1631 Metro Manila, Philippines
*Corresponding author: jacusnacis@gmail.com
Nacis J et al. 2022. Allele-specific Differences of FTO and MC4R Genes
in the Energy and Nutrient Intakes and Eating Behavior of Filipino Adolescents in Selected Areas
in Metro Manila, Philippines. Philipp J Sci 151(1): 25–34. https://doi.org/10.56899/151.01.03
ABSTRACT
The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) and melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R) genes were associated with obesity risk through their effect on eating behavior and nutrient intake. This study aimed to assess whether energy and nutrient intake and eating behavior were differentbetween risk and non-risk allele carriers of FTO rs9939609, FTO rs1421085, and MC4Rrs17782313. The polymorphisms were genotyped in 280 adolescents from Taguig City and Pateros in Metro Manila, Philippines. Energy and macronutrient intake were assessed by a fiveday food diary, and a Filipino-translated Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18) was used to capture the eating behavior of the study participants. Except for fat intake, adolescents carrying the risk C allele of FTO rs1421085 were found to have a significantly higher mean intake of energy, protein, and carbohydrates (P < 0.05) than their non-risk T allele counterparts. When grouped according to alleles of FTO rs9939609, FTO rs1421085, and MC4R rs17782313, no significant differences were observed in the eating behavior of the participants. The rs1421085 variant of the FTO gene might play a role in nutrient intake, but none of the obesity-related genetic polymorphisms that were examined posed differences in eating behavior.