What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Weight and Diabetes Risk: 10/10 evidence, 23 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Weight and Lower Diabetes Risk
Two copies of the protective C allele are associated with a typical body mass index and lower susceptibility to metabolic issues. This genetic profile helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and cardiovascular function. It represents the baseline metabolic risk in most populations.
What this genotype means: Typical body mass index; Lower risk of type 2 diabetes; Typical blood pressure levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Slightly Higher Weight and Diabetes Risk
Carrying one copy of the T risk allele is linked to a modest increase in body mass index and metabolic susceptibility. Satiety signals and energy expenditure may be slightly altered, making weight management require more conscious effort. Cardiovascular and kidney risks are also marginally elevated.
What this genotype means: Slightly elevated body mass index; Moderately increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly higher blood pressure.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Higher Weight and Elevated Diabetes Risk
Two copies of the T risk allele are associated with the highest susceptibility to weight gain and metabolic challenges. Satiety pathways in the brain are often less responsive, which can lead to increased appetite and calorie intake. Proactive lifestyle choices are highly beneficial for managing these metabolic predispositions.
What this genotype means: Elevated body mass index and body fat; Increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Higher susceptibility to heart failure.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The FTO gene encodes an enzyme that plays a critical role in regulating energy homeostasis, appetite, and body composition. It is widely recognized as one of the most significant genetic contributors to common obesity and body mass index. FTO is highly expressed in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, where it influences food intake and satiety signaling. Beyond weight regulation, variations in this gene are closely linked to glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Understanding FTO function helps clarify how genetic predisposition shapes metabolic rate and eating behaviors.
Variant Impact: This variant, rs11642015, is located within the first intron of the FTO gene, a region known to act as a powerful regulatory enhancer. The genetic change alters the expression of nearby genes involved in adipocyte development and mitochondrial energy expenditure [1]. Carrying the T allele is strongly associated with increased body mass index, higher body fat percentage, and elevated risk of metabolic conditions [2]. Conversely, the C allele is associated with a more favorable metabolic profile and lower susceptibility to weight gain [3].
Key Insight: The FTO gene does not directly store fat; instead, it primarily acts in the brain's hypothalamus to influence appetite, cravings, and how full you feel after a meal.
Location: FTO. Chromosome 16 · 16q12.2 · 53.8 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 50.1%; European 34.0%; African 81.3%; East Asian 71.6%; South Asian 44.7%; Americas 50.7%; Ashkenazi 23.9%; Finnish 33.2%; Middle Eastern 38.3%; Amish 26.0%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 38.5%; European 48.6%; African 17.7%; East Asian 26.1%; South Asian 44.3%; Americas 41.0%; Ashkenazi 50.0%; Finnish 48.9%; Middle Eastern 47.2%; Amish 50.0%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 11.5%; European 17.4%; African 1.0%; East Asian 2.4%; South Asian 11.0%; Americas 8.3%; Ashkenazi 26.1%; Finnish 18.0%; Middle Eastern 14.5%; Amish 24.0%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Obesity & Body Composition
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28892062. Typical BMI.
Body Fat Percentage. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 33980691. Typical Body Fat.
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 25054011. Typical Risk.
Heart Disease
Heart Failure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 37429843. Typical Risk.
Hypertension
Diastolic Blood Pressure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29455858. Typical Pressure.
Organ Systems
Kidney Function & Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28892062. Slightly Higher BMI.
Body Fat Percentage. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 33980691. Slightly Higher Fat.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 25054011. Slightly Higher Risk.
Heart Failure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 37429843. Slightly Higher Risk.
Diastolic Blood Pressure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29455858. Slightly Higher.
Chronic Kidney Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Slightly Higher Risk.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28892062. Higher BMI.
Body Fat Percentage. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 33980691. Higher Body Fat.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 25054011. ~1.14x Higher Risk.
Heart Failure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 37429843. Increased Risk.
Diastolic Blood Pressure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29455858. Increased Pressure.
Chronic Kidney Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Increased Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Maintaining a healthy weight and normal metabolic function is more common with this genetic profile. Research indicates that carrying two copies of the C allele correlates with a lower body mass index and reduced body fat percentage compared to risk-allele carriers [1]. This protective effect extends to glucose regulation, where the absence of the T allele is linked to a lower risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes [2]. Studies also show a reduced likelihood of developing cardiovascular complications like heart failure and elevated diastolic blood pressure [3]. Kidney health is similarly favored, with lower rates of chronic kidney disease observed in large-scale cohorts [4]. While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise remain crucial, this genotype provides a supportive genetic foundation for metabolic health.
Typical body mass index; Lower risk of type 2 diabetes; Typical blood pressure levels.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Metabolic efficiency and weight regulation are slightly altered by the presence of a single T risk allele. Clinical studies show that heterozygous individuals tend to have a higher average body mass index and increased body fat percentage compared to those with the C/C genotype [1]. This genetic variation also influences glucose metabolism, leading to a moderately elevated risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes [2]. Cardiovascular metrics can be affected, with research linking this genotype to slightly higher diastolic blood pressure and an increased susceptibility to heart failure [3]. Renal function may also show subtle differences, including a minor increase in blood urea nitrogen levels and chronic kidney disease risk [4]. Adopting a balanced diet and regular physical activity can significantly mitigate these genetically influenced risks.
Slightly elevated body mass index; Moderately increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly higher blood pressure.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Appetite regulation and fat storage are most significantly impacted when two copies of the T risk allele are present. Extensive genome-wide association studies demonstrate a strong link between this genotype and elevated body mass index, body weight, and body fat percentage [1]. The underlying biology involves altered expression of genes in the hypothalamus, which can diminish feelings of fullness after eating. This metabolic shift contributes to a significantly higher risk of developing insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes [2]. Cardiovascular health is also affected, with increased rates of heart failure and elevated diastolic blood pressure documented in clinical cohorts [3]. Furthermore, there is a stronger association with chronic kidney disease and elevated blood urea nitrogen [1]. Engaging in consistent physical exercise and mindful eating patterns is particularly effective at counteracting these genetic tendencies.
Elevated body mass index and body fat; Increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Higher susceptibility to heart failure.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs11075995 · FTO Gene · Chr 16 · Breast Cancer Risk
rs1421085 · FTO Gene · Chr 16 · Obesity and Weight Gain
rs8050136 · FTO Gene · Chr 16 · Weight and Diabetes Risk
The role of common and rare MC4R variants and FTO polymorphisms in extreme form of obesity.
Diversity and scale: Genetic architecture of 2068 traits in the VA Million Veteran Program.
Content updated August 2026.
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