What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Stress and Weight Regulation: 5/10 evidence, 39 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Stress Response and Baseline Metabolic Risk
This genotype is associated with a typical response to stress and a standard baseline risk of weight gain. It may also influence how you respond to certain medications like antidepressants or weight-loss drugs.
What this genotype means: Typical stress response; Standard baseline BMI; Higher risk of risperidone-induced weight gain.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Greater Stress Resilience and Favorable Metabolic Response
Carrying one copy of the T allele is linked to a lower risk of depression under stress and a lower body mass index. It is also associated with a better response to certain weight-loss therapies.
What this genotype means: Lower risk of stress-induced depression; Lower average body mass index; Enhanced response to liraglutide weight-loss therapy.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Carrying two copies of the T allele is associated with lower susceptibility to stress-induced depression and a lower body mass index. It also predicts a better response to specific weight-loss medications.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The CNR1 gene encodes the cannabinoid receptor 1, which is a major component of the endocannabinoid system. This receptor is highly expressed in the brain, where it regulates mood, stress responses, and emotional processing. It is also found in peripheral tissues like fat and the gut, where it helps coordinate energy balance, appetite, and metabolism. Overactivation or underactivation of cannabinoid signaling can influence susceptibility to metabolic and psychiatric conditions.
Variant Impact: The rs1049353 variant is a synonymous change in the CNR1 gene, meaning it does not alter the final amino acid sequence of the receptor. However, it is located near an exon splice enhancer and may influence gene expression or RNA splicing. The minor T allele is associated with altered receptor activity. This genetic variation has been linked to differences in stress resilience, antidepressant response, and body weight regulation.
Key Insight: This variant does not change the protein structure of the cannabinoid receptor, yet it significantly influences how the body regulates stress and processes weight-loss medications.
Location: CNR1. Chromosome 6 · 6q15 · 88.1 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 65.4%; European 52.1%; African 87.7%; East Asian 86.6%; South Asian 68.4%; Americas 67.6%; Ashkenazi 67.2%; Finnish 47.5%; Middle Eastern 77.5%; Amish 56.5%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 29.8%; European 40.2%; African 11.9%; East Asian 12.9%; South Asian 28.6%; Americas 29.2%; Ashkenazi 29.5%; Finnish 42.8%; Middle Eastern 21.1%; Amish 37.3%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 4.8%; European 7.7%; African 0.4%; East Asian 0.5%; South Asian 3.0%; Americas 3.2%; Ashkenazi 3.2%; Finnish 9.7%; Middle Eastern 1.4%; Amish 6.2%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Lifestyle, Fitness & Aging
Stress Response & Resilience
Stress Resilience. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18579347. Typical.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Obesity & Body Composition
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 24322329. Typical.
Pharmacogenomics
Diabetes Medication Response
Liraglutide Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 24322329. Typical Response.
Antidepressant & Psychiatric Drug Response
Antidepressant Response. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18579347. Better in Males.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
Stress Resilience. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18579347. Higher Resilience.
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 24322329. Lower BMI.
Liraglutide Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 24322329. Stronger Response.
Antidepressant Response. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18579347. Typical.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Antidepressant Response. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18579347. Better in Females.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Presence of the common C allele is associated with a typical susceptibility to stress-induced depression. Research indicates that this genotype is linked to lower levels of adiponectin, a hormone that protects against metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Consequently, there is a higher baseline risk for obesity and elevated body mass index compared to T allele carriers. When treated with certain antipsychotic medications like risperidone, individuals with this genotype may experience a higher risk of weight gain. However, males with this genotype may show a more favorable response to antidepressant treatments.
Typical stress response; Standard baseline BMI; Higher risk of risperidone-induced weight gain.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Possessing one copy of the T allele appears to provide a protective buffer against developing depression during stressful life events. This genetic variation is also associated with metabolic advantages, including a lower average body mass index and healthier fat distribution. Studies show that individuals carrying this allele have higher levels of adiponectin, which supports insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, clinical trials have demonstrated that T allele carriers achieve better weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction when treated with liraglutide. There is also a lower risk of developing inflammatory bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis.
Lower risk of stress-induced depression; Lower average body mass index; Enhanced response to liraglutide weight-loss therapy.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the T allele is linked to significant protection against depression triggered by chronic stress. This genotype is associated with a lower average body mass index and a reduced risk of obesity-related metabolic complications. Higher levels of the protective hormone adiponectin are commonly observed, which helps maintain metabolic health. In clinical settings, individuals with this genotype show enhanced weight loss and improved cardiovascular markers when using liraglutide. Additionally, females with this genotype may experience a more favorable response to antidepressant medications. There is also a lower risk of developing ulcerative colitis.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs12720071 · CNR1 Gene · Chr 6 · Cannabinoid Receptor Response
rs2023239 · CNR1 Gene · Chr 6 · Substance Craving Risk
rs6454674 · CNR1 Gene · Chr 6 · Substance Dependence Risk
Content updated August 2026.
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