Obesity is a complex multifactorial disorder resulting from the action and interaction of many genetic factors and environmental factors.

Recently, it has become clear that inflammation is a key feature of obesity. Long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have anti-inflammatory effects, and the G protein-coupled receptor GPR120 was reported to mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of ω-3 PUFAs. In addition, it was reported that GPR120 is involved in the development of obesity in mice and humans.

In this study, we investigated whether common genetic variants of the GPR120 gene could influence the risk of obesity in a Japanese population.

Our data suggest that the combination of common genetic variations in the GPR120 gene and dietary fat intake is a possible determinant of body mass index.