Abstract

Childhood obesity has become a significant public health concern worldwide, with both environmental and genetic factors playing crucial roles in its development. This study conducted a trans-ancestral meta-analysis of genomewide association studies (GWAS) to identify specific genetic loci associated with childhood obesity across diverse populations. The meta-analysis included data from multiple GWAS comprising individuals of European, African, Asian, and Hispanic ancestries. After stringent quality control and statistical analysis, several genetic loci were found to be significantly associated with childhood obesity across these ancestral groups. Notably, these loci were located in or near genes involved in appetite regulation, metabolism, and fat storage, providing biological insights into the mechanisms underlying childhood obesity. Furthermore, some of the identified loci were found to overlap with those previously associated with adult obesity, highlighting shared genetic susceptibility between childhood and adult obesity. This comprehensive trans-ancestral meta-analysis underscores the importance of considering genetic diversity when studying the genetic architecture of childhood obesity. The identified loci may serve as potential targets for future research aiming to develop personalized interventions and treatments for this growing health issue.