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Approved research

A Novel Reward System Polygenic Risk Score for the Prediction of Obesity and Substance Use Disorders

Principal Investigator: Dr Shannon McWeeney
Approved Research ID: 48083
Approval date: March 27th 2019

Lay summary

We currently do not know if there is a shared genetic risk for adult-onset obesity and substance use disorders. The aims of this research project are: (1) to uncover any genetic risk factors associated with reward system function, including palatable food intake and substance use, and (2) to use these genetic risk factors to improve the prediction of obesity and substance use disorders in the clinic. By investigating a common genetic signal for the reward system, this research project may improve prediction of other adult-onset complex diseases. The duration of this project will last approximately 18 months.