Anthropometric and lipid profile of individuals with severe obesity carrying the fatty acid-binding protein-2 Thr54 allele

•Dietary intake must be considered to correctly analyze FABP-2 genotypes.•Thr54 allele carriers showed higher anthropometric profile and homeostatic model assessment-β.•No differences were observed in the lipid profile between the FABP-2 genotypes.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric and lipid profiles of individuals being considered for bariatric surgery, taking into account the presence of the Thr54 allele of the fatty acid-binding protein-2 (FABP-2) gene (rs1799883), and dietary intake.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 120 participants being evaluated for bariatric surgery were asked to keep 24-h dietary records (R24 h) for 3 d, and to collect a 24-h urine sample for measurement of urea (as an assessment of the adequacy of food records) during day 3 of the diet record; a fasting blood sample for laboratory and genetic evaluations was collected.ResultsWhen considering the whole sample, no significant differences were found; however, those who complied with the R24 h (n = 43) had more years of schooling and higher saturated fat intake, but lower weight and body mass index (BMI). When analyzing only the completers, the Thr54 allele carriers showed higher body weight (P = 0.02), BMI (P = 0.03), hip circumference (P = 0.02), basal metabolic rate (P = 0.02), and homeostatic model assessment-β (P = 0.04) compared with those who were homozygous for Ala54.ConclusionWhen the participants complied with the R24 h, Thr54 carriers were shown to have higher anthropometric parameters and higher homeostatic model assessment-β values than those with the wild genotype, but the lipid profile resulted similar in both carriers and noncarriers.