A large-scale meta-analysis of GWA data available for 16,876 individuals identified a variant (rs17782313) mapping 188 kb downstream of the gene encoding melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) to influence on BMI and the finding were replicated in large-scale studies of 77,228 individuals, both adults and children, with a combined OR for obesity of 1.12 (1.08–1.16), p = 5.2×10−9[31]. Here, MC4R is linked to obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.