Can MC4R help with longevity?

MC4R (melanocortin 4 receptor) is a key regulator of energy balance and appetite. Mutations in MC4R are the most common monogenic cause of early-onset obesity. A direct link to longevity is not established. Theoretically, favorable MC4R variants might protect against obesity and related diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular), potentially extending lifespan. However, robust human studies associating MC4R genotypes with longevity are lacking. Evidence is mostly mechanistic, from animal models. Clinical relevance for the general population is unclear. Marketing claims that MC4R directly promotes longevity are speculative. Lifestyle factors (diet, exercise) have far stronger evidence for influencing lifespan. Caution: genetics is only a small piece of the longevity puzzle.