Achieved educational attainment, inherited genetic endowment for education, and obesity.

ABSTRACT: This study investigates two sources of education effects on obesity - achieved educational attainment and inherited genetic endowment for education. In doing so, we accomplish two goals. First, we assess the role of genetic confounding in the association between education and health. Second, we consider the heterogeneity in the extent to which genetic potential for education is realized, and we examine its impact on obesity. Data come from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Using a polygenic score approach, we find that, net of genetic confounding, holding a college degree is associated with a lower likelihood of obesity. Moreover, among individuals who hold a college degree, those with a high education polygenic score (a greater genetic propensity to succeed in

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8607810 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature