Through meta-analysis of GWA data from >32,000 samples, followed by additional large-scale follow-up, we have identified six new loci that show compelling associations with adult BMI. Four of these loci (TMEM18, GNPDA2, SH2B1 and NEGR1) also show compelling evidence of association with obesity in adults or children. In general, definitive identification of the specific mechanisms through which these loci influence BMI and obesity will require detailed fine mapping and subsequent functional characterization. With the exception of SH2B1, the genes most strongly implicated on the basis of colocalization with the association signal have limited prior candidacy.
