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Genetically-predicted trait-BMI, everyday discrimination and life satisfaction among older U.S. adults

Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology volume 8, pages 179–201 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives

This study tested whether genetically predicted trait-body mass index (trait-BMI) was linked to more general daily discrimination among older adults, and consequently to decline in their life satisfaction.

Methods

Data were from the Health and Retirement Study, nationally representative of U.S. adults over 50. Genetic prediction models were used to extract the trait component of BMI, which was then deployed in regression models for discrimination. A recently developed “regression with residuals” approach was used to test associations with subsequent change in life satisfaction.

Results

Genetically predicted trait-BMI was linked to more general discrimination reports. It also had negative associations with change in life satisfaction—linkages not consistently or strongly mediated by discrimination.

Conclusions

Trait-BMI—arguably resistant to sustained alteration through individual efforts—seems linked to decline in older adults’ life satisfaction. General daily discrimination, however, may not be an important mechanism.

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Data availability statement

The HRS data that support the findings of this study are available from the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan: https://hrs.isr.umich.edu/data-products.

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  1. Department of Sociology, McGill University, Room 712, Leacock Building, 855 Sherbrooke Street West, H3A 2T7, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

    Aniruddha Das Ph.D.

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Das, A. Genetically-predicted trait-BMI, everyday discrimination and life satisfaction among older U.S. adults. Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology 8, 179–201 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40750-022-00189-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40750-022-00189-5

Keywords

  • trait-BMI
  • Polygenic scores
  • Life satisfaction
  • Older adults
  • Regression with residuals