Environmental DNA modifications tied to obesity

Epigenetic changes could influence many common conditions

Chemical modifications to DNA may affect the activity of key genes involved in regulating body weight, a study finds, raising the possibility that scientists could discover environmental factors beyond calorie intake and exercise that influence a person’s size.

The study, published September 15 in Science Translational Medicine, is also the first to demonstrate that these chemical modifications to DNA are unique to an individual and may affect a person’s risk of developing common diseases.