FTO rs11038235: Understanding Your Genetic Association with BMI
The rs11038235 variant is a common genetic change located within the FTO gene, which has been extensively studied for its association with body mass index (BMI) and obesity risk. It exists in linkage disequilibrium with other well-known FTO variants, meaning it is often inherited alongside them as part of a broader genetic signature.
What each genotype means
Typical BMI and Obesity Risk
You carry two copies of the C allele for rs11038235, which corresponds to the non-risk baseline genotype at the FTO locus. Research associates this genotype with typical population averages for body mass index and no inherited elevation in obesity risk from this specific marker. However, body weight remains influenced by a wide array of lifestyle, dietary, and polygenic factors.
Carried by approximately 30% to 45% of individuals of European and South Asian ancestry, and more common in East Asian and African populations.
Slightly Increased BMI Risk
You carry one copy of the T risk allele for rs11038235, which is in high linkage disequilibrium with well-studied FTO variants such as rs9939609. Statistical studies indicate that carrying one risk allele is associated with a modest increase in average body mass index and slightly higher susceptibility to weight gain. Importantly, carrying this allele does not determine weight outcomes, and individuals respond equally well to lifestyle interventions.
Carried by approximately 45% to 50% of individuals of European and South Asian ancestry.
Higher Obesity Risk Predisposition
You carry two copies of the T risk allele for rs11038235, which tags the primary FTO obesity risk haplotype. Large genome-wide association studies show that individuals with this genotype have, on average, a slightly higher body mass index and greater statistical odds of developing obesity. Clinical trials show that people with this genetic profile respond just as successfully to standard dietary and physical activity interventions as non-carriers.
Carried by roughly 12% to 20% of people of European and South Asian descent, but less frequent in African and East Asian ancestries.
What is the rs11038235 Variant?
The rs11038235 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) situated within the FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated) gene locus. In genetics, a SNP represents a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence. This specific variant is located in an intronic region, meaning it resides within a non-coding part of the gene that does not directly provide instructions for making a protein. However, intronic variants can still play critical roles by influencing how genes are regulated or expressed. Because rs11038235 is in linkage disequilibrium with other variants like rs9939609, it is frequently studied as a marker for the broader FTO region. This means that when researchers observe an association with this SNP, they are often looking at the combined effect of a cluster of genetic variations that are inherited together across the FTO locus.
The Role of the FTO Gene
The FTO gene has gained significant scientific attention since it was first identified as a major contributor to human adiposity. While the gene's exact biological mechanism is complex, research suggests that variants in this region may influence energy balance, food intake, and metabolism. Some studies have proposed that the FTO locus might regulate the expression of nearby genes, such as IRX3 or RPGRIP1L, which are involved in developmental processes and energy homeostasis. By affecting how these genes function in the brain or other tissues, FTO variants may contribute to differences in how individuals process energy and store fat. It is important to note that FTO is not a 'gene for obesity' in a deterministic sense; rather, it is one of many genetic factors that, in combination with environmental and lifestyle influences, contribute to the wide variation in body mass index observed across human populations.
Research and Evidence Strength
The association between FTO variants and body mass index is one of the most replicated findings in the field of human genetics. Numerous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have consistently identified the FTO locus as having a measurable influence on BMI. However, the evidence for any single variant, including rs11038235, is often described as having limited or moderate effect sizes. While the statistical association is robust across many studies, the actual impact on an individual's weight is relatively small compared to the cumulative effects of diet, physical activity, and other environmental factors. Furthermore, some research has shown that the strength of these associations can vary depending on the population being studied. Because the evidence is based on population-level statistics, it cannot be used to predict an individual's health outcomes or diagnose obesity. The scientific community continues to investigate how these genetic signals interact with lifestyle interventions to influence long-term weight management.
What You Can and Cannot Do With This Information
Understanding your genetic variants can be an interesting way to learn about your biological predispositions, but it is essential to maintain a realistic perspective. Genetic information regarding BMI is probabilistic, not predictive. You cannot use this information to diagnose a medical condition or to determine your future health status. Because obesity is a complex trait influenced by thousands of genetic variants and environmental factors, a single SNP like rs11038235 provides only a tiny fraction of the picture. If you are concerned about your weight or metabolic health, the most effective approach is to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian. They can provide personalized guidance based on your clinical history, blood work, and lifestyle, rather than relying on isolated genetic markers. Always prioritize evidence-based medical advice over insights derived from individual genetic variants.
How common is this variant?
The rs11038235 variant is common worldwide, with the risk-associated allele present in approximately 35-45% of European and South Asian individuals.
Frequently asked questions
Does having the FTO risk allele mean I will become obese?
No. Genetic variants like those in the FTO gene only slightly increase the statistical likelihood of having a higher BMI. Lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity play a much larger role in determining body weight.
Can I use this genetic test to create a diet plan?
Current scientific evidence does not support using individual SNP results to create personalized diet plans. While some studies explore gene-diet interactions, these findings are not yet robust enough for clinical application.
Is FTO the only gene that affects weight?
Absolutely not. Hundreds of different genetic variants across the human genome have been linked to body mass index and obesity. FTO is simply one of the most well-known and frequently studied.
Should I be worried about my rs11038235 result?
There is no reason to be worried about a single genetic variant. Genetic associations are based on population averages and do not dictate your personal health outcomes or your ability to maintain a healthy weight.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/13/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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This variant is strongly associated with increased body mass index and obesity risk.
Variant in FTO associated with body mass index and obesity-related traits; evidence for sleep apnea is indirect via BMI.
Intronic regulatory variant in the FTO/IRX3 cluster strongly linked to elevated BMI, obesity susceptibility, and metabolic dysregulation.
Intronic SNP conferring a distinct preference for morning chronotype ('early bird' vs 'night owl') independently of metabolic phenotypes.
Commonly associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity risk, though sometimes misattributed in consumer genomics to facial morphology.
Risk allele associated with higher body mass index and predisposition to obesity.