What role does FTO play in menopause?

FTO is primarily known as an obesity-associated gene, influencing BMI and energy metabolism. Some studies have investigated links between FTO variants and menopause timing, but results are inconsistent and effect sizes are small. The role appears to be indirect, mediated by BMI – higher BMI is associated with later menopause onset. Direct, reproducible evidence for an independent role of FTO in menopause is lacking. Evidence is weak (human-observational, no meta-analysis).