Generalized Stable Population and Agent-Based Models of Phenotypic Transmission in Human Populations, with an Application to Body Size.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

We show that generalizations of stable population (GSPM) and agent-based models (ABMs) are useful tools to simulate trajectories of human phenotypes. Although mathematically very different, both classes of models can simultaneously account for multiple determinants of the population distribution of a phenotype across time and space. These include genetic transmission, assortative mating, differential fertility, vertical and horizontal cultural heredity, gene-environments interactions (GxE), and environmental feedback. We propose an application to obesity, a condition that has spread rapidly around the globe, increasing the risk of adult chronic illnesses and mortality.

Methods

We choose body mass index as the target phenotype, and formulate GSPM and ABMs that in

SUBMITTER: Aldea N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12845523 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature