MC4R (melanocortin 4 receptor) is primarily expressed in the brain and regulates energy homeostasis, appetite, and body weight. Numerous GWAS and clinical studies show strong associations of MC4R variants with obesity and metabolic traits. For skin (pigmentation, elasticity, aging), there is no robust evidence. The melanocortin signaling in skin is mainly mediated by MC1R, which influences hair color and UV sensitivity. MC4R is sometimes included in consumer DNA tests, but its direct usefulness for skin topics is not scientifically supported. The evidence level is 'marketing' or 'unclear'. Consumers should not expect MC4R results to provide meaningful skin insights. For skin-related questions, MC1R, collagen genes, or inflammatory markers like IL-1B are more relevant. Safety note: Do not change supplementation or diet based solely on MC4R data without medical advice.
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