In addition to a less favorable body composition, a cross sectional study using the MASALA and Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) data showed that compared to other racial and ethnic groups, US South Asians had lower adiponectin and higher resistin levels, both of which have been implicated in increasing risk for insulin resistance and obesity (18). The gene discussed is ADIPOQ; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.