What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Obesity and BMI Risk: 8/10 evidence, 34 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Typical BMI and Lower Obesity Risk
Maintaining a healthy weight may be genetically easier with this baseline genotype, which is associated with a typical body mass index. Research indicates a lower risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome compared to carrying the G allele.
What this genotype means: Typical body mass index; Lower risk of metabolic syndrome; Typical body fat distribution.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/G
Slightly Higher BMI and Obesity Risk
A slight genetic predisposition toward a higher body mass index and increased body fat is associated with this genotype. Engaging in regular physical activity and mindful nutrition can play a key role in managing these metabolic tendencies.
What this genotype means: Slightly elevated body mass index; Modestly increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly higher body fat percentage.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Higher BMI and Elevated Obesity Risk
An elevated genetic predisposition to a higher body mass index and increased body fat is linked to this genotype. Implementing structured exercise routines and metabolic health strategies can significantly help manage weight and support cardiovascular wellness.
What this genotype means: Elevated body mass index; Increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome; Higher percentage of body fat.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The SEC16B gene is widely recognized for its strong association with body mass index and obesity across diverse global populations [1]. It is located on chromosome 1 and is highly expressed in metabolic tissues like the liver and pancreas [2]. Researchers have identified SEC16B as a key player in early childhood growth and the development of childhood obesity [3]. Genetic variations in this region are also linked to broader metabolic traits, including body fat distribution and waist-hip ratio [4]. Understanding this gene helps clarify how cellular transport mechanisms influence overall energy balance and weight gain.
Variant Impact: The rs543874 variant is an intergenic genetic marker located near the SEC16B gene [5]. This specific change is one of the most heavily replicated genetic signals associated with elevated body mass index [5]. It influences how nearby genes are regulated, potentially altering lipid metabolism and fat storage pathways [6]. Studies in adolescent and adult cohorts show that this variant consistently impacts body weight and fat accumulation over the life course [7]. It also interacts with lifestyle factors, such as physical activity levels, to modify an individual's predisposition to weight gain [8].
Key Insight: Physical activity has a strong interactive effect with this variant, meaning regular exercise can significantly blunt the genetic risk of weight gain.
Location: SEC16B. Chromosome 1 · 1q25.2 · 177.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 63.3%; European 65.4%; African 55.3%; East Asian 68.6%; South Asian 72.8%; Americas 63.1%; Ashkenazi 75.8%; Finnish 69.3%; Middle Eastern 79.4%; Amish 72.4%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 32.3%; European 31.0%; African 38.1%; East Asian 28.4%; South Asian 25.1%; Americas 32.7%; Ashkenazi 22.6%; Finnish 27.9%; Middle Eastern 19.4%; Amish 25.4%.
Estimated AG genotype frequency.
Global 4.3%; European 3.7%; African 6.6%; East Asian 2.9%; South Asian 2.2%; Americas 4.2%; Ashkenazi 1.7%; Finnish 2.8%; Middle Eastern 1.2%; Amish 2.2%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Obesity & Body Composition
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20935630. Typical BMI.
Obesity. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Typical Risk.
Body Fat Percentage. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 26833246. Typical Fat %.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30239722. Typical Ratio.
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 38685053. Typical Risk.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39349817. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for A/G genotype
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20935630. Slightly Higher BMI.
Obesity. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Slightly Higher Risk.
Body Fat Percentage. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 26833246. Slightly Higher %.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30239722. Slightly Higher Ratio.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 38685053. Slightly Higher Risk.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39349817. Slightly Higher Risk.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 20935630. Higher BMI.
Obesity. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39024449. Higher Risk.
Body Fat Percentage. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 26833246. Higher Fat %.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30239722. Higher Ratio.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 38685053. Higher Risk.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 39349817. Higher Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
A typical body mass index and a lower genetic predisposition to obesity are characteristic of this genotype [1]. Large-scale genome-wide association studies consistently show that the A allele is protective against excess weight gain compared to the G allele [1]. Individuals with this baseline genetic profile tend to have lower body fat percentages and healthier waist-to-hip ratios [2]. This genetic advantage extends to metabolic health, with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes [3]. Furthermore, childhood body size and early growth patterns are more likely to remain within typical ranges [4]. While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise remain paramount, this genetic background provides a supportive foundation for metabolic wellness.
Typical body mass index; Lower risk of metabolic syndrome; Typical body fat distribution.
Sample genotype: AG (Heterozygous)
An intermediate increase in body mass index and body fat percentage is commonly observed with this single-copy risk genotype [1]. Having one G allele slightly elevates the likelihood of developing obesity over time [1]. Research indicates that this genetic variation affects adipose tissue distribution, leading to slightly higher waist-to-hip ratios [2]. There is also a modest increase in the risk of metabolic complications, such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome [3]. Interestingly, physical activity has been shown to interact with this genotype, meaning regular exercise can significantly reduce its impact on weight gain [4]. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is highly effective at counteracting this subtle genetic nudge toward fat accumulation.
Slightly elevated body mass index; Modestly increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly higher body fat percentage.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
The highest genetic risk for elevated body mass index and obesity at this locus is associated with this double-copy risk genotype [1]. Multiple large-scale studies have confirmed that carrying two G alleles consistently correlates with increased body weight and fat mass [1]. This genetic profile is linked to a more pronounced accumulation of abdominal fat, reflected in higher waist-to-hip ratios [2]. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome is also elevated compared to other genotypes [3]. However, the impact of this genetic predisposition is not set in stone, as physical activity has a strong protective effect [4]. Regular exercise and a nutrient-dense diet are powerful tools that can successfully mitigate the genetic tendency toward weight gain.
Elevated body mass index; Increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome; Higher percentage of body fat.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs539515 · SEC16B Gene · Chr 1 · Obesity and Diabetes Risk
rs10913469 · SEC16B Gene · Chr 1 · Obesity and BMI Risk
rs10968576 · LINGO2 Gene · Chr 9 · Weight and Metabolic Risk
Genetic studies of body mass index yield new insights for obesity biology.
Recapitulation of genome-wide association studies on body mass index in the Korean population.
The genetics of childhood obesity and interaction with dietary macronutrients.
Association analyses of 249,796 individuals reveal 18 new loci associated with body mass index.
New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution.
Genome-wide physical activity interactions in adiposity - A meta-analysis of 200,452 adults.
Content updated August 2026.
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