Research

Mixed

Carriers of the minor G allele of the MTIF3 rs1885988 variant experience significantly greater weight loss from intensive lifestyle interventions compared to non-carriers, despite this allele being associated with higher baseline BMI.

If you have a family history of obesity, do not assume lifestyle changes are futile. Research suggests that specific genetic markers associated with higher body weight may actually predict a stronger positive response to intensive lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise). Your genetic risk profile might mean you lose more weight than expected when you commit to lifestyle changes, so focus on consistent adherence to diet and physical activity goals.

GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
Each copy of the minor G allele of MTIF3 rs1885988 was consistently associated with greater weight loss following lifestyle intervention over 4 years across the DPP and Look AHEAD.
George D. Papandonatos et al. · Diabetes · 2015

Why this rating

Based on two large, multi-center Randomized Controlled Trials (DPP and Look AHEAD) with rigorous genetic analysis, though the finding did not survive the strict Bonferroni correction for multiple testing.

Source

Genetic Predisposition to Weight Loss and Regain With Lifestyle Intervention: Analyses From the Diabetes Prevention Program and the Look AHEAD Randomized Controlled Trials

George D. Papandonatos et al. · Diabetes · 2015

DOI 10.2337/db15-0441

rct · n=5730Cited 89×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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