MC4R
Studies have shown that if you carry a T-C variant on your MC4R gene, you may have a 30% increased chance of being obese, in addition to having a higher risk of metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol), which can be a precursor to type 2 diabetes. This gene moderates the effects of leptin, a neuro-hormone that regulates satiety (“feeling full” when eating), metabolism, and energy balance. For those with a risk variant, increased food consumption is likely caused from the body’s decreased ability to feel sated (“full”). This risk, however, can be moderated. Knowledge of the risk is the first step in knowing how to manage the outcomes.