What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Obesity Risk: 10/10 evidence, 31 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Obesity and Diabetes Risk
Typical risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes is associated with this common genetic profile. It supports the normal development of appetite-regulating brain cells.
What this genotype means: Typical risk of obesity and high BMI; Typical risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly higher HDL cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Increased Obesity and Diabetes Risk
An elevated risk of obesity, higher body fat, and type 2 diabetes is associated with this genetic profile. It significantly reduces the formation of appetite-regulating neurons.
What this genotype means: Increased risk of obesity and higher body fat; Elevated risk of type 2 diabetes; Increased risk of gout.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Slightly Increased Obesity and Diabetes Risk
A slightly higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes is linked to this genetic profile. It slightly reduces the development of appetite-regulating neurons in the brain.
What this genotype means: Slightly increased risk of obesity and high BMI; Slightly increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly lower HDL cholesterol levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The FAIM2 gene encodes Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2, a protein highly active in brain regions that regulate appetite and energy balance [1]. It plays a critical role in protecting neurons from programmed cell death, particularly in the hypothalamus [2]. During brain development, this gene helps guide the maturation of specialized neurons that signal when the body is full [3]. Proper expression of this gene is essential for maintaining healthy neural pathways that govern eating behavior and prevent overeating [2]. Alterations in its activity are strongly linked to metabolic traits and body weight regulation [1].
Variant Impact: The rs7132908 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism located in the 3 prime untranslated region of the FAIM2 gene [1]. This genetic change directly influences how the gene is expressed, with the risk allele reducing its activity in hypothalamic neurons [2]. Research shows that this reduction in gene expression significantly decreases the proportion of stem cells that successfully mature into appetite-regulating neurons [2]. Consequently, this alteration disrupts the delicate balance of hunger and fullness signals in the brain [2]. This variant represents one of the strongest genetic signals linked specifically to childhood obesity risk [4].
Key Insight: This genetic variant directly alters brain development by reducing the number of appetite-regulating neurons formed in the hypothalamus. While it is strongly linked to childhood obesity, its effects on weight and metabolic health persist throughout adulthood.
Location: FAIM2. Chromosome 12 · 12q13.12 · 49.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 48.7%; European 36.8%; African 71.4%; East Asian 59.4%; South Asian 38.0%; Americas 53.7%; Ashkenazi 27.0%; Finnish 38.8%; Middle Eastern 34.6%; Amish 33.6%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 40.5%; European 47.7%; African 26.2%; East Asian 35.4%; South Asian 47.3%; Americas 39.2%; Ashkenazi 49.9%; Finnish 47.0%; Middle Eastern 48.4%; Amish 48.7%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 10.8%; European 15.5%; African 2.4%; East Asian 5.3%; South Asian 14.7%; Americas 7.1%; Ashkenazi 23.0%; Finnish 14.2%; Middle Eastern 16.9%; Amish 17.6%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Obesity & Body Composition
Obesity. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19812171. Typical Risk.
Body Fat Percentage. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33980691. Typical.
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 32541925. Typical Risk.
Gout & Uric Acid
Gout. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39406924. Typical Risk.
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33980691. Slightly Higher.
Neurology & Mental Health
Addiction & Reward
Alcohol Consumption. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30643258. Slightly Higher.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Obesity. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19812171. Increased Risk.
Body Fat Percentage. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33980691. Higher.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 32541925. ~1.06x Risk.
Gout. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39406924. ~1.06x Risk.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33980691. Slightly Lower.
Alcohol Consumption. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30643258. Slightly Lower.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Obesity. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19812171. Slightly Increased.
Body Fat Percentage. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33980691. Slightly Higher.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 32541925. Slightly Increased.
Gout. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39406924. Slightly Increased.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33980691. Typical.
Alcohol Consumption. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30643258. Typical.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Normal expression of the FAIM2 gene is supported by the G/G genotype, leading to typical body mass index and body fat percentage [1]. This genetic profile allows stem cells to successfully mature into appetite-regulating neurons in the hypothalamus during brain development [2]. As a result, individuals with this genotype generally experience typical hunger and satiety signaling [2]. This normal neural development translates to a lower baseline risk of childhood and adult obesity compared to carriers of the A allele [1] [3]. Furthermore, this genotype is linked to a typical risk of metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes and gout [4] [5]. However, some studies suggest this profile is associated with slightly higher alcohol consumption and slightly higher HDL cholesterol levels [6] [7].
Typical risk of obesity and high BMI; Typical risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly higher HDL cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Double copies of the A allele are strongly associated with higher body mass index, body weight, and body fat percentage [1]. This genotype significantly reduces the expression of the FAIM2 gene during critical stages of brain development [2]. Research indicates that this reduction dramatically decreases the proportion of stem cells that successfully mature into appetite-regulating neurons in the hypothalamus [2]. This disruption in neural pathways can lead to altered hunger and fullness signals, increasing the propensity to overeat and gain weight [2]. Consequently, individuals with this genotype face a higher risk of childhood and adult obesity [1] [3]. This genetic profile is also linked to an elevated risk of metabolic complications, including type 2 diabetes and gout [4] [5]. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity can help mitigate these genetically driven risks [3].
Increased risk of obesity and higher body fat; Elevated risk of type 2 diabetes; Increased risk of gout.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
A single copy of the A allele is associated with a modest increase in body mass index and body fat percentage [1]. This genetic variation reduces the expression of the FAIM2 gene, which can slightly impair the maturation of neurons that control appetite in the hypothalamus [2]. Consequently, individuals with this genotype may experience subtle differences in hunger and fullness signaling, making them slightly more susceptible to weight gain [2]. This profile is also linked to a slightly elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes and gout [3] [4]. While the genetic influence is clear, environmental factors like diet and physical activity remain highly influential in managing these risks [5]. Additionally, this genotype is associated with slightly lower alcohol consumption and slightly lower HDL cholesterol levels compared to the G/G genotype [6] [7].
Slightly increased risk of obesity and high BMI; Slightly increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Slightly lower HDL cholesterol levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs7138803 · FAIM2 Gene · Chr 12 · Obesity and Metabolic Risk
rs11642015 · FTO Gene · Chr 16 · Weight and Diabetes Risk
rs13130484 · GNPDA2 Gene · Chr 4 · Obesity Risk
A genome-wide association analysis reveals new pathogenic pathways in gout.
The power of genetic diversity in genome-wide association studies of lipids.
Content updated August 2026.
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