On July 1st, 2024, BETTER4U partner from the University of Helsinki (UH), Jaakko Kaprio, hosted a symposium celebrating 50 years of twin studies at the University of Helsinki. As part of the symposium, UH investigators, Jaakko and Karri Silventoinen and gave talks on the topic of obesity and weight gain. Karri discussed the plasticity of human body size and morphology, and Jaakko discussed the BETTER4U cohorts which are enabling the project to disentangle the genetic and environmental determinants of weight gain over time.
The twin studies from University of Helsinki are instrumental to the BETTER4U project, which aim to map biological drivers of weight gain and loss by leveraging a robust dataset. This dataset includes genomic, epigenetic, and anthropometric data, gathered from both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Specifically, by using these resources to identify genetic markers associated with BMI, lifestyle factors, and health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, BETTER4U can perform multi-trait meta-analysis of genetic determinants of weight gain and identify key structural variants in RNA and proteins.
With data derived from extensive research collaborations and the latest analytical tools, these findings will help us refine genetic risk communication strategies for obesity prevention and improve understanding of lifestyle effects on weight, particularly in vulnerable populations. These research efforts are expected to culminate in practical outputs, such as predictive tools and personalised interventions that BETTER4U will test in the later stages of the project.
As international guests, BETTER4U partners Professor Dorret Boomsma (VU) talked about omics and Professor Nick Martin (QIMR) talked about the genetics of twinning.
The event also provided an opportunity for a BETTER4U team meeting to exchange updates on project progress, discuss key insights, and plan the next stages of our research. Partners aligned on objectives, ensuring that each work package contributes effectively toward the project’s aim to develop sustainable, personalised lifestyle interventions for obesity prevention and management.
Attendees also had the chance to explore recent findings from genetic and lifestyle studies, fostering deeper collaboration across scientific disciplines. With contributions from experts in omics, behavioural science, and nutritional interventions, the meeting helped consolidate efforts to address the complex factors influencing obesity. As BETTER4U progresses, these interdisciplinary discussions remain central to refining our approaches and delivering impactful solutions for healthier lifestyles.
