ADIPOQ and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency: One study reported that adiponectin levels were significantly lower in obese subjects than in non-obese subjects.(16) Another study found that increases in adiponectin levels were accompanied by reductions in the body mass index (BMI).(17) Therefore, it has been suggested that adiponectin might play a biologically protective role in obesity-associated disorders.(17) A few studies have addressed the role of adiponectin in GERD.