In summary, we report an association between MetS and the common rs9939609 SNP in FTO. The observed consistent association between MetS and FTO in a non-Caucasian multi-ethnic study group, including populations which differ considerably in MetS prevalence, strengthens the likelihood that the FTO locus is related to obesity and MetS. The gene discussed is FTO; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.