Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Candidate Examines Genetic Factors, Leptin, and Lifestyle to Support Precision Nutritional Therapy for Visceral Fat Risk

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• Kamis, 27 Agustus 2026
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Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Candidate Examines Genetic Factors, Leptin, and Lifestyle to Support Precision Nutritional Therapy for Visceral Fat Risk

Held at the Postgraduate Meeting Room (3rd Floor, Postgraduate Building, Udayana University, Denpasar), the Doctoral Study Program in Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, conducted an open doctoral promotion examination for candidate Dr. Agustinus I Wayan Harimawan, MPH, Sp.GK(K). His dissertation was titled "Interaction of *FTO* (rs9939609 and rs1421085), *MC4R* (rs17782313), and *UCP1* (rs1800592) Gene Polymorphisms, Leptin Levels, and Lifestyle on Visceral Fat Accumulation." (August 26, 2026)

Visceral fat accumulation increases cardiometabolic risk and is influenced by genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to analyze the associations and interactions of *FTO* (rs9939609 and rs1421085), *MC4R* (rs17782313), and *UCP1* (rs1800592) polymorphisms, plasma leptin, and lifestyle factors with visceral fat accumulation.

This analytic cross-sectional study involved 282 adults. Visceral fat was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis; polymorphisms via microarray; plasma leptin via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and lifestyle factors based on dietary patterns, food cravings, binge eating, sleep quality, and physical activity. Analysis employed multivariate logistic regression, Mantel–Haenszel stratification, RERI, AP, synergy index, the Breslow–Day test, and path analysis.

Age ≥34 years, *FTO* risk variants, *UCP1* risk variants, high leptin levels, and unhealthy lifestyle were independently associated with high visceral adipose tissue (VAT), with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 21.75, 2.46, 2.41, and 4.59, respectively. ...and 2.78, whereas MC4R was not significant. The combination of the FTO risk variant and high leptin levels yielded an aOR of 10.62, RERI of 6.52 (95% CI 0.81–25.48), and AP of 0.61 (95% CI 0.11–0.86). The combination of the UCP1 risk variant and an unhealthy lifestyle yielded an aOR of 8.33, RERI of 6.39 (95% CI 1.45–28.53), and AP of 0.77 (95% CI 0.27–0.95). No evidence was found for interactions between FTO and lifestyle, MC4R and lifestyle, multiplicative interactions, or mediation via leptin or lifestyle.

It is concluded that high VAT is associated with age, FTO, UCP1, leptin, and lifestyle, with positive additive interactions observed between FTO and leptin, and between UCP1 and lifestyle. These findings support risk stratification for precision medical nutrition therapy. Longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these interactions and test lifestyle interventions based on genetic and leptin profiles.

The examination was chaired by the Coordinator of the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Study Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University (FK Unud), Prof. Dr. dr. Desak Made Wihandani, M.Kes., with an examination team comprising:

1. Prof. Dr. dr. Desak Made Wihandani, M.Kes (Promoter)

2. Prof. Dr. dr. I Wayan Weta, MS., Sp.GK (Co-Promoter I)

3. Prof. Dr. dr. I Made Jawi, M.Kes (Co-Promoter II)

4. Prof. Dr. dr. Tjok Gde Agung Senapathi, Sp.An-TI., Subsp.An.R (K)

5. Prof. Dr. dr. I Made Sudarmaja, M.Kes

6. Prof. Dr. dr. Ketut Suastika, Sp.PD-KEMD, FINASIM

7. Dr. dr. Luh Putu Ratna Sundari, M.Biomed

8. Dr.rer.nat. dr. Ni Nyoman Ayu Dewi, M.Si

9. dr. I Wayan Sumardika, S.Ked., M.Med.Ed., Ph.D

10. Dr. dr. I Made Pande Dwipayana, Sp.PD-KEMD, FINASIM

Meanwhile, the invited academic examiners were:

1. Dr. dr. I Gusti Putu Hendra Sanjaya, Sp.B., Sp.BP-RE., Subsp.LBL (K)

2. Dr. dr. Anak Ayu Sri Wahyuni, Sp.KJ

3. Dr. dr. Kadek Mulyantari, Sp.PK., Subsp.BDKT(K)

4. Dr. dr. Ketut Kwartantaya Winaya, Sp.KK(K)., FINSDV., FAADV

5. Dr. dr. I Wayan Surudarma, M.Si

In this examination, Dr. dr. Agustinus I Wayan Harimawan, MPH., Sp.GK(K)., was declared to have passed as the 506th doctoral graduate of the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Study Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, with the distinction of *Cum Laude*.

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