Evidence check: COMT in the context of Abnehmen

The COMT gene encodes catechol-O-methyltransferase, an enzyme that breaks down dopamine. The well-studied Val158Met (rs4680) variant affects enzyme activity: Met carriers have lower activity, leading to higher dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex. In the context of weight loss, COMT has been linked to reward-driven eating behavior and adherence to dietary interventions. Some studies suggest that Met/Met individuals may have higher BMI and struggle more with weight loss due to increased food cravings, while Val/Val individuals may respond better to structured diets. However, effect sizes are small and findings are inconsistent across populations. Lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, sleep) have a much larger impact on weight loss than COMT genotype alone. Direct-to-consumer DNA tests often overstate the role of COMT in weight management. At present, there is no strong evidence to support personalized weight loss strategies based solely on COMT genotype. A holistic approach remains key.