Objective: To understand with greater clearness the role of beta3- adrenergic receptor Trp/Arg mutation in childhood obesity.
Methods: One hundred and seventy-seven children, aged 6-12 years, were selected. The genotype was detected by restricted fragment length polymorphism, the children's dietaries were surveyed by a 3-day recalling and recording method. Their height, weight were measured, and the data on their living habits were collected from their parents.
Results: The intake of total amount of food and energy of obese children were higher in children with Trp/Trp genotype, but there was no difference between the obese and non-obese children with Trp/Arg genotype. Among children with the Trp/Arg genotype, obese children were less active and did less exercise, they slept more, but there was no difference among children with Trp/Trp genotype.
Conclusion: The children with beta3-AR Trp/Arg mutation may become obese because of the low energy metabolism; less active and exercise may increase the risk of obesity.