What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Metabolic Health Risk: 6/10 evidence, 43 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Metabolic and Heart Risk
Presence of the common C allele is associated with typical insulin sensitivity and baseline cardiovascular risk. This profile does not carry the elevated risks of metabolic syndrome or aspirin intolerance linked to the T variant.
What this genotype means: Typical insulin sensitivity; Baseline cardiovascular risk; Normal response to aspirin.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Slightly Elevated Metabolic Risk
A single copy of the T allele is linked to a slight increase in the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. It may also influence body fat distribution, particularly around the waist and hips.
What this genotype means: Slightly higher risk of insulin resistance; Tendency for abdominal fat storage; Slightly increased cardiovascular risk.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Elevated Metabolic and Aspirin Sensitivity Risk
Two copies of the T allele are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and a higher waist-to-hip ratio. This profile is also uniquely linked to a higher risk of aspirin intolerance.
What this genotype means: Increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Higher waist-to-hip ratio; Elevated risk of aspirin intolerance.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) is a master regulator of adipogenesis and glucose metabolism [1]. It plays a crucial role in insulin sensitivity, lipid storage, and inflammatory responses [2]. Variations in this gene are heavily studied for their impact on type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular health [3].
Variant Impact: The rs3856806 variant, also known as C161T, is a synonymous change in exon 6 of the PPARG gene [4]. Although it does not alter the amino acid sequence, it is associated with altered expression levels of the receptor [5]. This genetic marker has been linked to variations in metabolic rate, fat distribution, and susceptibility to chronic diseases [1].
Key Insight: Even though this variant is a silent mutation that does not change the protein sequence, it significantly influences gene expression and metabolic traits.
Location: PPARG. Chromosome 3 · 3p25.2 · 12.4 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 78.6%; European 75.6%; African 87.6%; East Asian 59.4%; South Asian 72.1%; Americas 83.4%; Ashkenazi 86.3%; Finnish 63.9%; Middle Eastern 90.6%; Amish 91.8%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 19.9%; European 22.7%; African 11.9%; East Asian 35.4%; South Asian 25.7%; Americas 15.9%; Ashkenazi 13.2%; Finnish 32.1%; Middle Eastern 9.1%; Amish 8.0%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 1.5%; European 1.7%; African 0.4%; East Asian 5.3%; South Asian 2.3%; Americas 0.8%; Ashkenazi 0.5%; Finnish 4.0%; Middle Eastern 0.2%; Amish 0.2%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Diabetes Susceptibility. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 21263402. Typical Risk.
Obesity & Body Composition
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34021172. Typical Ratio.
Heart Disease
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 22987045. Typical Risk.
Pharmacogenomics
Adverse Drug Reactions
Aspirin Sensitivity. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 20224667. Typical Response.
Nutrition & Metabolism
Blood Chemistry & Metabolites
Blood Albumin Levels. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Higher.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
Diabetes Susceptibility. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 21263402. Slightly Higher Risk.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34021172. Slightly Higher Ratio.
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 22987045. Slightly Higher Risk.
Blood Albumin Levels. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Diabetes Susceptibility. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 21263402. Higher Risk.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34021172. Higher Ratio.
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 22987045. Higher Risk.
Aspirin Sensitivity. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 20224667. Increased Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Possessing the C/C profile represents the most common genetic state at this locus. Research indicates that individuals with this profile maintain typical baseline levels of insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism [1]. Unlike carriers of the T allele, this group does not show an elevated risk for metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes [2]. Furthermore, cardiovascular health markers, including coronary artery disease risk, remain at typical population levels [3]. There is also no association with increased sensitivity or intolerance to aspirin [4]. Overall, this genotype represents a stable, standard metabolic baseline.
Typical insulin sensitivity; Baseline cardiovascular risk; Normal response to aspirin.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
A single copy of the T allele is associated with subtle changes in metabolic efficiency. Studies suggest that this variant can lead to a slight reduction in PPARG gene expression, which may affect how the body processes fats and sugars [1]. Consequently, carriers have a moderately higher likelihood of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes [2]. There is also a documented association with an increased waist-to-hip ratio, reflecting a tendency to store fat abdominally [3]. Additionally, some research links this genotype to a slightly elevated risk of coronary artery disease [4]. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can help mitigate these genetic tendencies.
Slightly higher risk of insulin resistance; Tendency for abdominal fat storage; Slightly increased cardiovascular risk.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Double copies of the T allele are associated with the most pronounced metabolic effects at this locus. This genetic profile is linked to reduced transcriptional activity of the PPARG gene, which plays a key role in fat cell development and glucose control [1]. Clinical studies have connected this genotype to an increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome [2]. Individuals with this profile also tend to have a higher waist-to-hip ratio, indicating a greater predisposition to abdominal obesity [3]. Furthermore, there is a significantly higher risk of developing aspirin intolerance, particularly in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma [4]. Proactive lifestyle management is highly beneficial for supporting long-term metabolic health.
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Higher waist-to-hip ratio; Elevated risk of aspirin intolerance.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs17036160 · PPARG Gene · Chr 3 · Type 2 Diabetes Risk
rs1801282 · PPARG Gene · Chr 3 · Type 2 Diabetes Risk
rs2972164 · PPARG Gene · Chr 3 · Fat Distribution and Sepsis
Association of PPARG and LPIN1 gene polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
The meta-analysis of the association of PPARG P12A, C161T polymorphism and coronary heart disease.
Content updated August 2026.
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