physical activity levels. Additionally, interactions between MCR4 and dietary intake and selection have been shown in model organisms (Fan et al. 1997; Huszar et al. 1997; Marsh et al. 1999; Chen et al. 2000). For example, mice when given a 3-choice diet and administered a melanocortin agonist preferentially decreased fat consumption (Samama et al. 2003). Further, variation in human MCR4 has been associated with binge eating (Branson et al. 2003; Potoczna et al. 2004; Valladares et al. 2010) and with higher total energy intake and selection of foods high in dietary fat (Qi et al. 2008). BMI prediction models will benefit from incorporating known obesogenic environmental variables such as physical activity and food selection and intake.
