Abstract

Introduction: obesity and overweight have become a global health problem. Genetic factors can influence the increase in body mass index, such as polymorphisms in the FTO gene, which have been related to obesity and its comorbidities. Method: a systematic search was carried out in the Scopus, PubMed and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science databases seeking information regarding the rs1861868 polymorphism of the FTO gene and the development of obesity and associated diseases. Studies that met PRISMA-ScR criteria were selected and information on population characteristics, sample size, risk allele, outcomes, and conclusions was extracted. Results: 6 studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The T(A) allele of the rs1861868 polymorphism was associated with higher BMI in some studies, but not in others. The association between the polymorphism and BMI varied according to factors such as age, sex, physical activity, and family history of obesity. Conclusions: although the rs1861868 polymorphism of the FTO gene may play a role in the risk of obesity, its effect appears to be smaller than other polymorphisms within the same gene. Factors such as age, sex, physical activity and family history of obesity appear to have a greater influence on BMI than the presence of the T risk allele of rs1861868.