Interactions between genetic variants associated with adiposity traits and soft drinks in relation to longitudinal changes in body weight and waist circumference

Background: Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with obesity, and this association may be modified by a genetic predisposition to obesity. Objective: We examined the interactions between a molecular genetic predisposition to various aspects of obesity and the consumption of soft drinks, which are a major part of sugar-sweetened beverages, in relation to changes in adiposity measures. Design: A total of 4765 individuals were included in the study. On the basis of 50 obesity- Associated single nucleotide polymorphisms that are associated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), or the waist- To-hip ratio adjusted for BMI (WHRBMI), the following 4 genetic predisposition scores (GRSs) were constructed: A complete genetic predisposition score including all 50 single nucleotide polymorphisms (GRSComplete), a genetic predisposition score including BMI- Associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (GRSBMI), a genetic predisposition score including waist circumference- Associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (GRSWC), and a genetic predisposition score including the waist- To-hip ratio adjusted for BMI- Associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (GRSWHR). Associations between soft drink intake and the annual change (D) in body weight (BW), WC, or waist circumference adjusted for BMI (WCBMI) and possible interactions with the GRSs were examined with the use of linear regression analyses and meta- Analyses. Results: For each soft drink serving per day, soft drink consumption was significantly associated with a higher DBWof 0.07 kg/y (95% CI: 0.01, 0.13 kg/y; P = 0.020) but not with the DWC or DWCBMI. In analyses of the DBW, we showed an interaction only with the GRSWC (per risk allele for each soft drink serving per day: 20.06 kg/y; 95% CI: 20.10, 20.02 kg/y; P = 0.006). In analyses of the DWC, we showed interactions only with the GRSBMI and GRSComplete [per risk allele for each soft drink serving per day: 0.05 cm/y (95% CI: 0.02, 0.09 cm/y; P = 0.001) and 0.05 cm/y (95% CI: 0.02, 0.07 cm/y; P = 0.001), respectively]. Nearly identical results were observed in analyses of the DWCBMI. Conclusions: A genetic predisposition to a high WC may attenuate the association between soft drink intake and BW gain. A genetic predisposition to high BMI as well as a genetic predisposition to high BMI, WC, and WHRBMI combined may strengthen the association between soft drink intake and WC gain. However, the public health impact may be limited. Am J Clin Nutr 2016;104:816-26. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.