Studies show that the FTO gene (e.g., variant rs9939609) is robustly associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity in both men and women. The risk allele increases BMI by about 1–2 kg on average and is linked to higher appetite, reduced satiety, and preference for calorie-dense foods. In men, some research suggests a stronger correlation with visceral fat accumulation and related metabolic disturbances. However, the effect is modest and polygenic; lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can significantly modulate the genetic predisposition. Evidence comes from large genome-wide association studies and meta-analyses (human-strong evidence). Importantly, a single FTO test is not diagnostic and does not predict individual health outcomes. Consumer DNA tests like MyBody-X may include FTO, but their value is for general lifestyle insight, not medical diagnosis. For men concerned about weight, a holistic approach including diet, activity, and clinical assessment is more meaningful than genetic testing alone.
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