Projects per year
Abstract / Description of output
Regional differences in health-related phenotypes have been detected between and within countries. In Scotland, regions differ for a variety of health-related traits and display differences in mean lifespan of up to 7.5 years. Both genetics and lifestyle differences are potential causes of this variation. Using data on obesity-related traits of ~11,000 Scottish individuals with genome-wide genetic information and records of lifestyle and socioeconomic factors, we explored causes of regional variation by using models that incorporate genetic and environmental information jointly. We found that variation between individuals within regions showed substantial influence of both genetic variation and family environment. Regional variation for most obesity traits was associated with lifestyle and socioeconomic variables, such as smoking, diet and deprivation which are potentially modifiable. There was limited evidence that regional differences were of genetic origin. This has important implications for healthcare policies, suggesting that inequalities can be tackled with appropriate social and economic interventions.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 801 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Nature Communications |
Volume | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 6 Oct 2017 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Regional variation in health is predominantly driven by lifestyle rather than genetics'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 3 Finished
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Stratifying Resilience and Depression Longitudinally
McIntosh, A., Deary, I., Evans, K., Haley, C. & Porteous, D.
1/01/15 → 30/06/21
Project: Research
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Generation Scotland
Porteous, D.
UK central government bodies/local authorities, health and hospital authorities
1/04/11 → 31/03/14
Project: Research
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Genetic Health 21st Century
Porteous, D., Laurie, G. & Tait, J.
UK central government bodies/local authorities, health and hospital authorities
1/10/03 → 31/08/07
Project: Research
Profiles
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Chris Haley
- Deanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences - Visitor: Default Visitor
Person: Affiliated Independent Researcher