Interaction of Genetic Risk Score and Fatty Acids Quality Index on Circadian Rhythm and Quality of Life Among Overweight and Obese Women Publisher



Rasaei N ; Mohammadi A ; Fatemi S F ; Narmcheshm S ; Gholami F ; Khorraminezhad L ; Mirzaei K
Source: Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Declining quality of life (QOL) and circadian rhythm disruptions can impact health. We studied how genetic factors, reflected in a Genetic Risk Score (GRS), interacted with fatty acid quality (assessed by the Cholesterol-Saturated Fat Index (CSI)) in overweight and obese women. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 279 overweight and obese women aged 18–68 years by multi-stage cluster random sampling from health centers of Tehran during 2016–2017. Anthropometric variables, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and biochemical factors were measured using standard protocols. QOL was evaluated by the SF-36 questionnaire. The circadian pattern was measured by MEQ (The morningness– eveningness questionnaire). We collected dietary intake information with a valid and reliable 147-item food frequency questionnaire. We used CSI as a fatty acid quality index. Physical Activity was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The genetic risk score was created by combining three single nucleotide polymorphisms [MC4R (rs17782313), CAV-1 (rs3807992), and Cry-1 (rs2287161)] and general information was measured by a self-report questionnaire. Results: Dietary intake differed significantly across tertiles of CSI, with higher tertiles showing greater energy and fatty acid intake. Significant interactions were discovered between GRS and the second CSI tertile for MEQ (β= -0.50, CI= -0.94,-0.07; p = 0.02) and role emotional, with a nearly significant interaction for general health. Furthermore, a significant interaction was observed between GRS and the highest CSI tertile on health transition. These interactions remained significant after adjusting for confounders, particularly affecting MEQ scores, social functioning, and health transition. Conclusion: High genetic risk scores and elevated CSI were associated with lower QOL and indicators of circadian rhythm disruption among overweight and obese women, suggesting the importance of considering gene–diet interactions in personalized health assessments. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Tehran University of Medical Sciences 2026.