mRNA was associated with increased BMI in healthy women [41]. FTO -null mice have reduced fat mass, and mice with FTO overexpression displayed increased energy intake and increased adiposity [42, 43]. Despite recent progress, the mechanism by which FTO influences human body mass remains elusive. Data from rodents suggested that FTO might affect neuropeptide Y (NPY, a feeding stimulation or orexigenic factor) expression in the hypothalamus, which in turn impacts feeding behavior [40]. Moreover, role of FTO in circadian rhythms has been proposed [44]. Aberrant circadian rhythms have been linked to metabolic disease and obesity [45].
