Geisinger-supported study identifies promising genetic target for treating obesity, cardiometabolic disease

DANVILLE, Pa. - Research supported by data from Geisinger's MyCode® genetic database could lead to new therapies for obesity, fatty liver disease and other cardiometabolic conditions that affect millions worldwide, according to co-author Christopher D. Still, DO, professor of medicine at Geisinger and director of the Center for Obesity and Metabolic Research.

The study, FNIP1 variants are associated with favourable metabolism in 1 million humans - recently published in the journal Nature - combined data from more than 1 million people across three continents with laboratory studies in human liver cells and mice. The gene FNIP1 emerged as a particularly promising candidate for future therapies addressing conditions ranging from stroke to Type 2 diabetes.

People with certain variants in FNIP1 had lower liver fat levels, better blood sugar regulation, healthier fat distribution and about 60% lower odds of developing cardiometabolic disease. Follow-up studies found that "switching off" the FNIP1 gene improved metabolic health, protected against weight gain and reduced fatty liver disease.

"These findings demonstrate the power of harnessing genetic data collected by our MyCode initiative, which could lead to meaningful advances in patient care," said Still. "Obesity, fatty liver disease and cardiometabolic disorders remain among the most pressing health challenges we face today."

MyCode is one of the nation's largest health system-based precision medicine programs. By combining genomic data with clinical research, MyCode supports discoveries that could lead to more personalized approaches to preventing and treating complex diseases.

The study was published in Nature on Aug. 5, 2026 and can be viewed here.

About Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Educating. Inspiring. Leading. At Geisinger College of Health Sciences, we bring innovation and purpose together to educate the next generation of healthcare leaders. As the academic and research arm of the Geisinger family, our college was founded to enhance and improve community health, with a focus on discovery, hands-on learning and applied practice across our system. Today, we offer a research institute, graduate medical education, schools of medicine, graduate education and nursing, and faculty and professional development programs. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs.

The College is committed to nondiscrimination in all employment and educational programs or activities. Concerns or questions may be directed to the Title IX coordinator whose contact information is available at geisinger.edu/titleix.