While some loci harbor genes with an established role in obesity and body fat distribution, like MC4R11, PCSK112, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)11, POMC, SH2B adaptor protein 1 (SH2B1)11, and LEPR11, the role of the vast majority of loci remains unclear and candidate genes have not yet been functionally characterized. Here, BDNF is linked to obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.