What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Obesity and BMI Risk: 8/10 evidence, 21 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Typical Risk of Obesity and Lower BMI
Carrying two copies of the T allele is associated with a typical body mass index and lower body weight. This genotype is protective against genetic predisposition to obesity and metabolic syndrome.
What this genotype means: Favorable genetic baseline for body weight; Lower risk of metabolic syndrome; Typical waist-to-hip ratio.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher Risk of Obesity and Elevated BMI
Carrying two copies of the C allele is associated with a higher body mass index and increased body weight. This genotype also correlates with a higher waist-to-hip ratio and elevated risk of metabolic syndrome.
What this genotype means: Elevated genetic risk for higher body mass index; Increased risk of metabolic syndrome; Stronger benefit from regular cardiovascular exercise.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Increased Risk of Obesity and Elevated BMI
Carrying one copy of the C allele is associated with a moderate increase in body mass index and body weight. This genotype also slightly elevates the risk of metabolic syndrome and higher fat accumulation.
What this genotype means: Slightly elevated genetic risk for weight gain; Increased susceptibility to higher waist-to-hip ratio; Physical activity is highly effective for weight management.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The ETV5 gene encodes a member of the ETS transcription factor family that plays a vital role in cellular development and brain function [1]. It is highly expressed in the hypothalamus, a key brain region responsible for regulating appetite and energy balance [2]. Studies suggest that ETV5 is involved in the central nervous system control of food intake and physical activity [2]. Additionally, ETV5 has been shown to act as a regulator of adipose tissue macrophage activation, which influences inflammation in obesity [1].
Variant Impact: The rs7647305 variant is an intergenic genetic marker located near the ETV5 and DGKG genes on chromosome 3 [2]. This genetic region is strongly associated with body mass index, body weight, and fat distribution in large-scale genome-wide association studies [2] [3]. The C allele is the risk-associated variant, linked to higher body mass index and increased susceptibility to obesity [2] [3]. Conversely, the T allele is protective, associated with a lower body mass index and healthier metabolic markers [2] [3].
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Key Insight: Regular physical activity has been shown to significantly weaken the genetic predisposition to weight gain associated with this variant.
Location: ETV5. Chromosome 3 · 3q27.2 · 186.1 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 7.5%; European 4.4%; African 16.7%; East Asian 0.5%; South Asian 5.8%; Americas 3.6%; Ashkenazi 4.3%; Finnish 3.2%; Middle Eastern 5.7%; Amish 2.3%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 36.3%; European 33.3%; African 48.4%; East Asian 13.4%; South Asian 36.5%; Americas 30.7%; Ashkenazi 32.8%; Finnish 29.3%; Middle Eastern 36.3%; Amish 25.6%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 56.2%; European 62.3%; African 34.9%; East Asian 86.1%; South Asian 57.7%; Americas 65.8%; Ashkenazi 62.9%; Finnish 67.5%; Middle Eastern 58.0%; Amish 72.2%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Obesity & Body Composition
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 19079260. Typical BMI.
Body Weight. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 19079260. Typical Weight.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 30239722. Typical Ratio.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39349817. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Body Mass Index. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 19079260. Higher BMI.
Body Weight. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 19079260. Higher Weight.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 30239722. Higher Ratio.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39349817. Increased Risk.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Having the T/T genotype is associated with a lower genetic risk of obesity and a healthier body mass index profile [1]. This genotype represents the baseline or protective state, where individuals typically have lower body weight and waist-to-hip ratios compared to C allele carriers [1] [2]. The absence of the risk-associated C allele correlates with more favorable metabolic health markers and a lower likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome [3]. While genetics provide a supportive baseline, maintaining a healthy weight still depends on lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity [4]. This genotype is relatively less common globally, particularly in East Asian populations where the C allele is highly prevalent.
Favorable genetic baseline for body weight; Lower risk of metabolic syndrome; Typical waist-to-hip ratio.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Having the C/C genotype is linked to a higher predisposition to obesity and elevated body mass index across various populations [1]. Large-scale genomic analyses have consistently shown that each copy of the C allele increases measures of adiposity, including body weight and fat pad mass [1] [2]. This genetic influence is thought to affect appetite regulation and energy homeostasis through pathways involving the nearby ETV5 gene [3]. Interestingly, research indicates that regular physical activity can help attenuate or reduce this genetic predisposition to weight gain [4]. Individuals with this genotype may benefit from proactive lifestyle strategies, such as balanced nutrition and consistent exercise, to support metabolic health [4].
Elevated genetic risk for higher body mass index; Increased risk of metabolic syndrome; Stronger benefit from regular cardiovascular exercise.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
Having the T/C genotype is associated with an intermediate or increased risk of obesity and higher body mass index compared to the T/T genotype [1]. Each copy of the C allele contributes to higher measures of adiposity, including elevated body weight and waist-to-hip ratio [1] [2]. The underlying biological mechanism is believed to involve altered expression of the ETV5 gene, which plays a role in central appetite control [3]. Studies suggest that environmental factors, particularly physical activity levels, play a significant role in modulating this genetic risk [4]. Engaging in regular exercise has been shown to help offset the genetic tendency toward weight gain associated with this variant [4].
Slightly elevated genetic risk for weight gain; Increased susceptibility to higher waist-to-hip ratio; Physical activity is highly effective for weight management.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1516725 · ETV5 Gene · Chr 3 · Weight and Body Fat
rs9816226 · ETV5 Gene · Chr 3 · Weight and BMI Predisposition
rs13191362 · PRKN Gene · Chr 6 · Metabolic Health
From monogenic to polygenic obesity: recent advances.
A Large Multiethnic Genome-Wide Association Study of Adult Body Mass Index Identifies Novel Loci.
Studies of metabolic phenotypic correlates of 15 obesity associated gene variants.
Content updated August 2026.
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