Approved Research

The relationship between genetic polymorphisms around the sweet taste receptor genes (hT1R2 and hT1R3), the intake of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) and body fatness in UK adults.

Lay summary

A high number of UK people are overweight or obese and are under serious health risks. Obesity increases the incidence of mortality, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Looking at the factors that may increase body fatness is important to develop strategies to reverse the problem. Sugary food and drink consumption is seen as a key problem. Previous evidence shows that increased consumption of fruit drinks, soft drinks, Fizzy drinks, and other high energy drinks is heavily associated with higher levels of body fatness. Increased intake of sugar-sweetened drinks may occur because a person has a specific genetic make-up, which increases their liking for sweet tastes.

We will explore the relation between the prevalence of these genetic factors, sugary drink intake and their association with body fatness. Using different measurements of body fat will provide an accurate measure of UK participants' obesity status. 

This study is important to assess UK consumption of SSBs and the genetic causes behind their dietary intake pattern. It will help the public health sector in the UK to reduce obesity among their population. Investigating the genetic factors that contribute to the intake of sweet beverage could potentially help to provide appropriate individually tailored nutritional recommendations.