What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Obesity and Metabolic Risk: 8/10 evidence, 35 publications.
You're viewing every possible genotype for this variant.
None of these is your result. Use the genotype toggle to compare them, then sign up and upload your DNA to see which one is yours.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Obesity and Metabolic Risk
A typical body mass index and waist circumference are associated with this genotype. It does not carry the genetic predisposition to elevated obesity or metabolic syndrome risk linked to this locus.
What this genotype means: Typical body mass index; Typical waist circumference; Optimal HDL cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Increased Obesity and Metabolic Risk
A higher body mass index and increased waist circumference are associated with this genotype. It is also linked to an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome and lower HDL cholesterol.
What this genotype means: Higher body mass index; Increased waist circumference; Elevated metabolic syndrome risk.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Slightly Increased Obesity and Metabolic Risk
A slight increase in body mass index and waist circumference is associated with this genotype. It may also slightly elevate the risk of metabolic syndrome and related cardiovascular markers.
What this genotype means: Slightly higher body mass index; Slightly increased waist circumference; Slightly elevated metabolic syndrome risk.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The FAIM2 gene encodes Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2, also known as lifeguard 2, a protein primarily active in the brain and nervous system [1]. It plays a critical role in protecting neurons from programmed cell death by inhibiting death receptor pathways [1]. In the hypothalamus, a brain region that regulates appetite and energy balance, FAIM2 is thought to influence feeding behavior and energy homeostasis [2]. Studies suggest that altered FAIM2 expression or regulation in hypothalamic neurons can impact the development of neural circuits that control hunger and satiety [2]. Consequently, genetic variations affecting this gene are heavily linked to body weight regulation and childhood obesity [2].
Variant Impact: The rs7138803 variant is an intergenic single nucleotide polymorphism located near the FAIM2 gene on chromosome 12 [1]. Although it does not directly alter the FAIM2 protein structure, it acts as a regulatory marker that influences how the gene is expressed in key tissues [2]. The minor A allele is widely recognized as a risk factor for elevated body mass index (BMI) and obesity across multiple populations [1] [2]. Research indicates that this genetic variation may alter chromatin accessibility and gene expression during the development of appetite-regulating neurons [2]. This can lead to subtle differences in body fat distribution, metabolic health, and eating behaviors [1].
Key Insight: This genetic variant influences body weight primarily through the brain's appetite control center rather than metabolic rate alone.
Location: FAIM2. Chromosome 12 · 12q13.12 · 49.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 48.6%; European 38.3%; African 68.8%; East Asian 52.4%; South Asian 38.6%; Americas 54.1%; Ashkenazi 27.2%; Finnish 38.5%; Middle Eastern 36.2%; Amish 38.1%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 40.9%; European 47.2%; African 28.3%; East Asian 40.0%; South Asian 47.1%; Americas 38.9%; Ashkenazi 49.9%; Finnish 47.1%; Middle Eastern 47.9%; Amish 47.2%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 10.5%; European 14.5%; African 2.9%; East Asian 7.6%; South Asian 14.4%; Americas 7.0%; Ashkenazi 22.9%; Finnish 14.4%; Middle Eastern 15.8%; Amish 14.6%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Obesity & Body Composition
Obesity. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32228543. Typical Risk.
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19079260. Typical BMI.
Waist Circumference. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 19557197. Typical Waist Size.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31589552. Typical Risk.
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 36376304. Optimal HDL.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Obesity. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32228543. Increased Risk.
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19079260. Higher BMI.
Waist Circumference. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 19557197. Larger Waist Size.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31589552. Increased Risk.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 36376304. Slightly Lower HDL.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Obesity. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32228543. Slightly Increased.
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19079260. Slightly Higher BMI.
Waist Circumference. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 19557197. Slightly Larger.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31589552. Slightly Increased.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 36376304. Typical HDL.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the G allele represents the baseline genetic profile for weight-related traits in most populations [1]. Large-scale genome-wide association studies show that this genotype is linked to a typical body mass index (BMI) and body weight [1]. It is also associated with a lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome and abdominal fat accumulation compared to carriers of the A allele [2]. Furthermore, research suggests that this genotype correlates with typical levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of systemic inflammation, and optimal levels of HDL cholesterol [3]. This baseline profile means there is no elevated genetic risk for obesity at this specific locus [1]. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle continues to support metabolic health effectively [2]. The absence of the risk allele helps maintain typical metabolic function [3].
Typical body mass index; Typical waist circumference; Optimal HDL cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Two copies of the A allele at this locus are associated with the highest genetic predisposition to elevated body mass index (BMI) and body weight [1]. This genotype is linked to a significantly higher risk of obesity, particularly starting in childhood, as the FAIM2 gene plays a key role in brain-derived appetite regulation [2]. Research indicates that carriers have larger waist circumferences and an increased likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome [3]. Additionally, this genotype is associated with lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol and higher levels of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein [4]. While this genetic profile increases susceptibility to weight gain, its impact is highly modifiable through lifestyle interventions, particularly regular physical exercise [5]. Consistent physical activity helps to counteract the genetic influence on appetite and fat storage [5]. Standard dietary and exercise guidelines remain highly effective for managing weight [1].
Higher body mass index; Increased waist circumference; Elevated metabolic syndrome risk; Slightly lower HDL cholesterol.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
A single copy of the A allele at this locus is associated with a modest increase in genetic predisposition to higher body weight and body mass index [1]. This variant, located near the FAIM2 gene, is thought to influence appetite regulation and energy balance in the brain [2]. Studies have shown that carriers tend to have slightly larger waist circumferences and a slightly higher risk of metabolic syndrome [3]. The effect of this single allele is relatively small and can be significantly mitigated by regular physical activity and a balanced diet [4]. It represents a common genetic variation that gently nudges metabolic traits rather than determining them outright [1]. Active lifestyles are particularly effective at offsetting this genetic tendency [4]. Most people with this genotype maintain a healthy weight through standard wellness habits [1].
Slightly higher body mass index; Slightly increased waist circumference; Slightly elevated metabolic syndrome risk.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs7132908 · FAIM2 Gene · Chr 12 · Obesity Risk
rs13191362 · PRKN Gene · Chr 6 · Metabolic Health
rs16851483 · RASA2 Gene · Chr 3 · Weight and Metabolic Risk
Genome-Wide Association Study of the Metabolic Syndrome in UK Biobank.
Pleiotropic genetic architecture and novel loci for C-reactive protein levels.
Genome-wide physical activity interactions in adiposity - A meta-analysis of 200,452 adults.
Content updated August 2026.
ReadYourDNA provides educational interpretation of DNA data you already have. It is not diagnostic, not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a clinician before acting on any result.
Raw DNA Data Reports for 23andMe & AncestryDNA · About ReadYourDNA · FAQ · Methodology & Science · Pricing · Support and complaints · Legal & Contact · Health Traits · Pharmacogenomics · Carrier Status · Variant Explorer · The Human Karyotype · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Accessibility · Consumer Health Data Privacy · Your Privacy Choices · Editorial Standards · Your Data, Checkable · Sample Report · ReadYourDNA and Promethease compared · What is inside a 23andMe raw data file · What is inside an AncestryDNA raw data file · What a chatbot can and cannot do with your raw DNA file · Where a raw DNA file can still be uploaded in 2026
Written, maintained and operated by Martin Pechhacker, sole proprietor, Vienna, Austria. Trade register GISA 40064420. support@readyourdna.com