What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Body Fat Distribution: 10/10 evidence, 24 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Higher Abdominal Fat and Metabolic Risk
Carrying two copies of the T allele is associated with a higher waist-to-hip ratio and increased abdominal fat storage. It also correlates with higher blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, and a slightly increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
What this genotype means: Higher waist-to-hip ratio; Increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Elevated triglycerides and blood pressure.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Lower Abdominal Fat and Favorable Metabolic Profile
Carrying two copies of the C allele is associated with a lower waist-to-hip ratio and a healthier body fat distribution. It also correlates with lower triglycerides, better insulin sensitivity, and reduced type 2 diabetes risk.
What this genotype means: Lower waist-to-hip ratio; Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes; Favorable triglyceride and blood pressure levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Typical Abdominal Fat and Balanced Metabolic Risk
Carrying one T allele and one C allele generally results in a typical body fat distribution and average metabolic risk. This genotype represents a balance between the risk-increasing T allele and the protective C allele.
What this genotype means: Typical body fat distribution; Average risk of type 2 diabetes; Baseline triglyceride and blood pressure levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: GRB14 encodes Growth Factor Receptor-Bound Protein 14, an adapter protein that interacts with and inhibits the insulin receptor [1]. By acting as a natural brake on insulin signaling, it plays a critical role in regulating glucose metabolism and fat storage [1]. The gene is highly expressed in adipose tissue, where it influences how fat is distributed across different areas of the body [2]. Variations in and around this gene are strongly linked to body fat distribution, particularly the waist-to-hip ratio, with effects that are often more pronounced in women [2].
Variant Impact: Positioned near the GRB14 and COBLL1 genes on chromosome 2, rs10195252 is an intergenic single nucleotide polymorphism. This genetic change acts as an expression quantitative trait locus, meaning it influences how actively the GRB14 gene is expressed in fat tissue [1]. Specifically, the T allele is associated with increased expression of GRB14 in visceral and subcutaneous fat [1]. Because higher GRB14 levels inhibit insulin signaling, this variant can lead to reduced insulin sensitivity, altered fat storage patterns, and elevated blood lipids [1] [3].
Read on the Omega-6 Levels page
Key Insight: The T allele of this variant increases the expression of a protein that acts as a natural brake on insulin receptors, making cells less responsive to insulin.
Location: COBLL1. Chromosome 2 · 2q24.3 · 164.7 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 31.8%; European 34.9%; African 7.3%; East Asian 83.0%; South Asian 58.2%; Americas 46.7%; Ashkenazi 41.5%; Finnish 44.8%; Middle Eastern 38.7%; Amish 30.1%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 43.5%; European 48.3%; African 39.4%; East Asian 16.2%; South Asian 36.2%; Americas 43.3%; Ashkenazi 45.8%; Finnish 44.3%; Middle Eastern 47.0%; Amish 49.5%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 24.7%; European 16.7%; African 53.3%; East Asian 0.8%; South Asian 5.6%; Americas 10.0%; Ashkenazi 12.6%; Finnish 10.9%; Middle Eastern 14.3%; Amish 20.4%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Obesity & Body Composition
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20935629. Higher Ratio.
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30297969. ~1.07x Higher Risk.
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 20686565. Higher Levels.
Hypertension
Blood Pressure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38689001. Higher Pressure.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Fasting Insulin. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31217584. Higher Levels.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20935629. Lower Ratio.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30297969. Lower Risk.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 20686565. Lower Levels.
Blood Pressure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38689001. Lower Pressure.
Fasting Insulin. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31217584. Lower Levels.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20935629. Typical Ratio.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30297969. Typical Risk.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 20686565. Typical Levels.
Blood Pressure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38689001. Typical Pressure.
Fasting Insulin. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31217584. Typical Levels.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Abdominal fat accumulation and a higher waist-to-hip ratio are strongly linked to this genetic profile [1]. Research shows that the T allele increases the expression of the GRB14 gene in visceral fat tissue [2]. Because GRB14 acts as an inhibitor of the insulin receptor, higher levels of this protein can reduce insulin sensitivity [2]. This insulin resistance is reflected in elevated fasting insulin levels and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes [3]. Additionally, individuals with this genotype tend to have higher circulating triglycerides and elevated blood pressure [4] [5]. These combined factors contribute to a less favorable metabolic profile, particularly in women where the fat distribution effect is more pronounced [1]. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet are particularly important for managing these metabolic risks.
Higher waist-to-hip ratio; Increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Elevated triglycerides and blood pressure.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
A healthier body fat distribution and lower abdominal fat accumulation are strongly associated with this genetic profile [1]. Individuals with two copies of the C allele tend to have a lower waist-to-hip ratio, favoring a healthier gluteofemoral fat distribution [1]. This effect is driven by lower expression of the GRB14 gene in adipose tissue, which prevents the inhibition of insulin receptors [2]. With unhindered insulin signaling, cells remain highly sensitive to insulin, leading to lower fasting insulin levels and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes [3]. Furthermore, this genotype is linked to healthier blood lipid profiles, including lower triglycerides [4]. Blood pressure levels also tend to be lower, contributing to overall cardiovascular protection [5]. These combined benefits support a highly favorable metabolic profile and long-term cardiovascular health.
Lower waist-to-hip ratio; Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes; Favorable triglyceride and blood pressure levels.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
A balanced distribution of body fat and typical metabolic markers are characteristic of this genetic profile. Having one copy of the protective C allele helps offset the abdominal fat accumulation and insulin resistance associated with the T allele [1]. Studies indicate that metabolic traits like waist-to-hip ratio, triglycerides, and fasting insulin levels fall within the average range for this group [2] [3]. While there is a slight genetic influence toward higher visceral fat expression of GRB14 compared to the C/C genotype, it is significantly less than in T/T homozygotes [1]. Consequently, the overall risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular factors remains near the population baseline [4]. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity is highly effective for managing metabolic health with this genetic profile [5]. This intermediate status provides a stable baseline for overall metabolic wellness.
Typical body fat distribution; Average risk of type 2 diabetes; Baseline triglyceride and blood pressure levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10184004 · COBLL1 Gene · Chr 2 · Type 2 Diabetes Risk
rs1128249 · COBLL1 Gene · Chr 2 · Metabolic Health Risk
rs13389219 · COBLL1 Gene · Chr 2 · Metabolic Fat Distribution
New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution.
Biological, clinical and population relevance of 95 loci for blood lipids.
Genome-wide physical activity interactions in adiposity - A meta-analysis of 200,452 adults.
Content updated August 2026.
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