Precision Behavioral Medicine: Implications of Genetic and Genomic Discoveries for Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment

This article reviews the concept of precision behavioral medicine and the progress toward applying genetics and genomics as tools to optimize weight management intervention. We discuss genetic, epigenetic, and genomic markers, as well as interactions between genetics and the environment as they relate to obesity and behavioral weight loss to date. Recommendations for the conditions under which genetics and genomics could be incorporated to support clinical decision-making in behavioral weight loss are outlined and illustrative scenarios of how this approach could improve clinical outcomes are provided. It is concluded that there is not yet sufficient evidence to leverage genetics or genomics to aid the treatment of obesity but the foundations are being laid.