Genotype-controlled changes in body composition and fat morphology following overfeeding in twins

Am J Clin Nutr. 1986 May;43(5):723-31. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/43.5.723.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of overfeeding on the body composition and fat morphology characteristics of 6 pairs of male monozygotic twins. Each participant was submitted to a 22-day overfeeding period, supplemented by an additional 1000 kcal/day. Significant changes were observed in body composition and fat morphology as shown by increases in body weight, fat mass, sum of 9 skinfolds, and fat cell diameter. Significant within-pair resemblance for absolute changes was observed for body weight, percent body fat, fat mass, sum of skinfolds, trunk skinfolds, and extremity skinfolds, suggesting a role for the genotype in determining the sensitivity of the response to an energy surplus. Significant within-pair resemblance was noted for the biceps, triceps, and thigh with less resemblance noted in the subscapular, abdomen, suprailiac, calf, axillary, and chest sites, suggesting a variation in genotype dependency for subcutaneous fat. The results suggest that changes in body fat following short-term overfeeding appear to have a genetic basis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / anatomy & histology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Body Composition*
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Energy Intake*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity / genetics
  • Skinfold Thickness
  • Twins*
  • Twins, Monozygotic*

Substances

  • Dietary Fats