Variation Bmi Quote by Robert M. Sapolsky
““The single genetic variant identified that most powerfully predicted height explained all of 0.4 percent—four tenths of one percent—of the variation in height, and all those hundreds of variants put together explained only about 10 percent of the variation. Meanwhile, an equally acclaimed study did a GWAS regarding body mass index (BMI). Similar amazingness—almost a quarter million genomes examined, even more authors than the height study. And in this case the single most explanatory genetic variant identified accounted for only 0.3 percent of the variation in BMI.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Genetics and Height, 2018
Single genetic variants explain tiny fractions of height or BMI variation; many genes together still account for modest variance.
In simple terms: Genes only partly explain height and BMI.
Key Takeaway
Consider genetics as one factor among many.
Themes
genetics
complex traits
polygenic
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
scientific
informative
When to use this quote
- medical research
- public health policy
Key Concepts
heritability
environmental influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we improve predictive models?
- What non‑genetic factors matter most?
A Different Perspective
Genetic predictions remain limited.
