The effect of adult obesity on rising blood pressure and the risk of hypertension in adulthood may be modified by ACE genetic polymorphism. Individuals with the ACE DD (or GG) [adjusted linear regression coefficients 0.26, 95% CI (0.21–0.31) and 0.28 (0.24–0.32) for SBP and DBP] and/or ID (or AG) genotypes [0.25 (0.21–0.29) and 0.25 (0.21–0.28)] appear to be more sensitive to the effects of excess adiposity than those with the II (or AA) genotype [0.15 (0.09–0.21) and 0.19 (0.13–0.23)]. The gene discussed is ACE; the disease is hypertensive disorder.