May the FTO gene affect visceral obesity? Study of variant rs9930506 SNP among the MONW in a Polish population

Genetic factors play a major role in obesity. Numerous studies have confirmed associations of the SNP rs9930506 of FTO gene with increased BMI, hip circumference and total body weight. The metabolic consequences of obesity depend, to a large degree, on body fat distribution. MONW individuals (metabolically obese normal-weight) are characterized by visceral obesity and display metabolic properties that may predispose them to developing metabolic syndrome. Because of normal BMI and young age, the MONW individuals are often overlooked in preventive examinations on the pathogenesis of obesity and its metabolically consequences.