ESPE Abstracts

Background: Early onset obesity in children is a multifactorial disorder with significant genetic underpinnings. This research focuses on identifying and characterizing the genetic variants associated with this condition.

Objective: To identify genetic variants associated with early onset obesity in children.

Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out on 1,540 children diagnosed with early onset obesity before the age of 2 years, attending the nutrition clinic at Alexandria University Children's Hospitals.

Results: Several key genes implicated in early-onset obesity were identified, including melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4R) and Myelin transcription factor 1 (MYT1L).

Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of genetic screening in the early diagnosis and personalized management of childhood obesity. Identifying specific genetic mutations enables the development of targeted therapeutic strategies, including lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, and potentially gene therapy.