What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Abdominal Fat Storage: 10/10 evidence, 17 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Higher Abdominal Fat and Metabolic Risk
A tendency to store fat around the abdomen rather than the hips is linked to higher blood sugar and triglyceride levels.
What this genotype means: Higher tendency to store visceral abdominal fat; Slightly elevated risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly higher triglyceride levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Lower Abdominal Fat and Favorable Metabolic Profile
A natural tendency to store fat away from the abdomen protects metabolic health and lowers diabetes risk.
What this genotype means: Lower waist-to-hip ratio and reduced abdominal fat; Decreased risk of type 2 diabetes; Favorable triglyceride and pulse pressure levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Typical Fat Distribution and Metabolic Profile
An intermediate genetic profile leads to average abdominal fat storage and typical metabolic health markers.
What this genotype means: Average waist-to-hip ratio; Typical baseline risk for type 2 diabetes; Standard blood lipid and blood pressure levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The LYPLAL1 gene encodes lysophospholipase-like protein 1, an enzyme that is highly active in adipose tissue and the liver [1]. While its precise biochemical function remains under investigation, structural studies show it acts as an esterase that breaks down short-chain lipid molecules. It plays a crucial role in determining how the body stores fat, specifically influencing whether fat is deposited subcutaneously under the skin or viscerally around abdominal organs [2]. Altered expression of this gene is closely linked to changes in metabolic health and liver fat accumulation [2].
Variant Impact: The rs2820443 variant is an intergenic genetic marker located near the LYPLAL1 gene on chromosome 1. This DNA change acts as a regulatory switch that influences the expression of nearby genes involved in fat cell development and lipid metabolism [1]. Large-scale genetic analyses have repeatedly linked this specific variant to variations in waist-to-hip ratio and body shape [3]. The genetic signals at this locus show notable sexual dimorphism, often exerting a stronger influence on body fat distribution in women than in men [4].
Key Insight: This genetic variant influences where your body prefers to store fat, shifting the balance between abdominal fat and hip fat without necessarily changing your overall body weight.
Location: LYPLAL1. Chromosome 1 · 1q41 · 219.6 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 60.1%; European 51.7%; African 85.6%; East Asian 53.9%; South Asian 59.3%; Americas 36.2%; Ashkenazi 58.3%; Finnish 50.8%; Middle Eastern 56.0%; Amish 87.5%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 33.4%; European 40.4%; African 13.8%; East Asian 39.0%; South Asian 35.4%; Americas 47.9%; Ashkenazi 36.1%; Finnish 40.9%; Middle Eastern 37.7%; Amish 12.1%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 6.5%; European 7.9%; African 0.6%; East Asian 7.1%; South Asian 5.3%; Americas 15.9%; Ashkenazi 5.6%; Finnish 8.2%; Middle Eastern 6.3%; Amish 0.4%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Obesity & Body Composition
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 23754948. Increased Ratio.
Body Fat Percentage. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39789286. Lower Percentage.
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 29358691. ~1.07x Risk.
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Increased Levels.
Hypertension
Pulse Pressure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30224653. Increased Pressure.
Organ Systems
Bone, Joint & Connective Tissue Health
Hip Osteoarthritis. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30664745. Lower Risk.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 23754948. Decreased Ratio.
Body Fat Percentage. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39789286. Higher Percentage.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 29358691. Lower Risk.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Decreased Levels.
Pulse Pressure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30224653. Decreased Pressure.
Hip Osteoarthritis. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30664745. ~1.06x Risk.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 23754948. Slightly Increased.
Body Fat Percentage. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39789286. Typical Percentage.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 29358691. Typical Risk.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Typical Levels.
Pulse Pressure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30224653. Typical Pressure.
Hip Osteoarthritis. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30664745. Typical Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Storing fat predominantly in the abdominal cavity as visceral fat is a well-known driver of metabolic strain. Genetic studies show a clear link between this specific DNA pattern and an elevated waist-to-hip ratio, reflecting central fat accumulation [1]. This pattern of fat distribution is associated with a modest increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes [2]. Blood lipid profiles also tend to show higher levels of triglycerides [3]. Additionally, cardiovascular measurements indicate a slight increase in pulse pressure [4]. On the positive side, this physical structure is associated with a slightly lower risk of developing hip osteoarthritis [5].
Higher tendency to store visceral abdominal fat; Slightly elevated risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly higher triglyceride levels.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Storing fat preferentially in subcutaneous areas like the hips rather than around the abdominal organs provides a protective metabolic buffer. Genetic data demonstrates that this DNA pattern is strongly associated with a lower waist-to-hip ratio [1]. This favorable fat distribution pattern translates directly to a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes [2]. Lipid panels are also more likely to show healthier, lower triglyceride levels [3]. Cardiovascular strain is reduced, as evidenced by lower average pulse pressure measurements [4]. However, carrying this genetic profile is associated with a slightly higher overall body fat percentage and a modest increase in the risk of hip osteoarthritis [5].
Lower waist-to-hip ratio and reduced abdominal fat; Decreased risk of type 2 diabetes; Favorable triglyceride and pulse pressure levels.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
Balanced genetic influences from both the major and minor alleles result in a highly typical physical and metabolic profile. Abdominal fat storage and waist-to-hip measurements generally align with population averages [1]. Metabolic markers, including blood sugar regulation and type 2 diabetes risk, remain at baseline levels [2]. Triglyceride levels and cardiovascular pulse pressure show no significant genetic elevation or reduction from this locus [3] [4]. Joint health is also typical, with an average baseline risk for developing hip osteoarthritis [5]. Overall, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise will play a much larger role than genetics in shaping metabolic outcomes.
Average waist-to-hip ratio; Typical baseline risk for type 2 diabetes; Standard blood lipid and blood pressure levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs4846567 · LYPLAL1 Gene · Chr 1 · Abdominal Fat Distribution
rs7599312 · ERBB4 Gene · Chr 2 · Weight and Body Shape
rs979012 · BMP2 Gene · Chr 20 · Body Fat Distribution
New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution.
Diversity and scale: Genetic architecture of 2068 traits in the VA Million Veteran Program.
Content updated August 2026.
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