Objective: To perform a meta-analysis of genome-wide linkage scans using body mass index (BMI) to identify genetic loci predisposing to obesity.
Data: A total of 13 published genome scans on obesity have used BMI as their primary end point. Five of these 13 groups agreed to provide detailed results from their scans that were required for a meta-analysis. Collectively, these five studies included a total of 2814 individuals from 505 families.
Methods: The results of the five studies were analysed using the GSMA (genome scans meta-analysis) method.
Results: The analysis revealed significant evidence for linkage of the quantitative phenotype BMI to 8p (P<0.0005).