We used a distance criterion of ±500 kb surrounding each GWS peak (P < 5 × 10−8) to define independent loci and to place our results in the context of previous studies, including our previous GIANT meta-analyses. Of several locus models tested, this definition most closely reflected the loci defined by approximate conditional analysis using GCTA (Tables 1 and 2, respectively). Current index SNPs falling within 500 kb of a SNP previously associated with BMI, weight, extreme obesity or body fat percentage5,8–11 were considered previously identified.
