Finally, the NT variant rs2234762 C > G was recently identified to be associated with low circulating pro-NT levels and predicts lower insulin resistance in obese and overweight children [129] These observations confirm that decreased MMP7 expression is deleterious and results in aberrant gut microbiota composition, enhanced intestinal fat absorption and ultimately leads to obesity and associated metabolic abnormalities such as NAFLD. Here, MMP7 is linked to obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.