A specific gene variant (rs998584) linked to higher body fat in men also led to more fat in the hips/thighs, less belly fat, and lower risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Scientific Claim
The rs998584 variant in the VEGFA gene was associated with higher body fat percentage, increased gluteofemoral adipose tissue, reduced visceral adipose tissue, and lower risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease in males.
Original Statement
“rs998584 (Chr6:43,757,896; A>C; VEGFA) was associated with multiple cardiometabolic phenotypes: the BFPAdj increasing allele associated with increased GFAT, reduced VAT and reduced risk of T2D and CAD underscoring the role of fat distribution in cardiometabolic disease in males.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The claim accurately describes the observed associations between the variant and multiple traits using appropriate association language, without implying causation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Beyond apples and pears: sex-specific genetics of body fat percentage