The pattern of variation within and between populations in obesity and type 2 diabetes indicates that they are cause by the interaction between genetic and lifestyle factors. The specific nature of these interactions is poorly understood. However, several randomized clinical trials have shown that the risk of obesity or diabetes attributable to genes such as PPARG or TCF7L2 is reduced or completely attenuated by increasing physical activity and reducing dietary fat levels. These findings suggest that the risk of disease associated with some of the major genetic risk factors for obesity and type 2 diabetes can be treated with lifestyle interventions.

The overarching objective of the Genetic Epidemiology and Clinical Research Group at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, is to identify specific genes and lifestyle factors that interact to influence the risk of developing chronic diseases. To achieve this objective, we undertake studies in large epidemiological studies, intervention studies, physiological studies, and functional studies.