ADRB2 rs1042714 Variant: Health Risks Explained

Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

This article is part of the PlexusDx Education Hub — your resource for evidence-based, DNA-driven health insight. Browse all Diet & Genetics education.

The ADRB2 gene builds the beta-2 adrenergic receptor — a protein that lets adrenaline and related signals communicate with cells throughout the body. Because this receptor helps regulate everything from fat breakdown to airway width to blood vessel tone, small inherited differences in ADRB2 have drawn intense research interest. One of the most studied is rs1042714, a variant that subtly changes the receptor’s behavior and has been examined for its links to weight, metabolism, and cardiovascular and respiratory biology.

What the ADRB2 gene does

Beta-2 adrenergic receptors are part of the sympathetic “fight or flight” system. When adrenaline binds them, they trigger downstream effects: relaxing airway muscles, widening certain blood vessels, and stimulating lipolysis, the breakdown of stored fat for energy. Because these receptors sit at the crossroads of metabolism and stress response, the efficiency with which they signal can influence how the body mobilizes energy and responds to physical demands. ADRB2 is expressed in fat tissue, smooth muscle, the heart, and the lungs.

The rs1042714 variant (Gln27Glu) explained

rs1042714 is a single-letter change in ADRB2 that swaps glutamine for glutamic acid at position 27, a substitution written as Gln27Glu. This variant sits near another well-known ADRB2 variant, rs1042713 (Arg16Gly), and the two are often inherited together as haplotypes. The Gln27Glu change can affect how the receptor is regulated over time — including how resistant it is to becoming desensitized after sustained signaling. Because receptor behavior shapes fat metabolism and vascular tone, researchers have asked whether this variant tracks with measurable health differences.

rs1042714 and metabolic research

Several studies have explored associations between the rs1042714 Glu27 allele and body weight, body mass index, and obesity-related measures, with findings that vary by population and often depend on diet and activity levels. The proposed mechanism centers on lipolysis: if the receptor mobilizes stored fat slightly differently, that could influence energy balance over years. Importantly, these are population-level associations of modest effect — not a switch that determines body weight, and not a diagnosis of any condition.

rs1042714, airways, and cardiovascular biology

Because beta-2 receptors relax airway muscle, ADRB2 variants have been studied extensively in the context of asthma and airway responsiveness, and because the receptor influences blood vessel tone, they have also been examined in relation to blood pressure. Results across these fields are complex and not always consistent. This article describes that research at the pathway level only; it does not suggest genetic testing predicts how any individual will respond to a specific medication, which is a clinical question for a qualified provider.

Genes work in context, not isolation

rs1042714 rarely acts alone. Its effects depend on the companion variant rs1042713, on overall genetic background, and heavily on environment — diet, physical activity, body composition, and stress. Two people with the same genotype can have very different health profiles because behavior and context shape how genes express themselves. This is why a single variant is a clue, not a conclusion, and why genetic information is most useful as part of a broader picture.

What a genetic report reveals about your ADRB2 pathway

A genetic report will not tell you what to weigh or which medication to take. What it can do is show how your adrenergic and metabolic pathways are built. The Precision Peptide Genetic Test analyzes 14 pathways, 49 peptides, 150+ genetic insights, including metabolic and stress-response pathways where genes like ADRB2 operate. That pathway-level context is educational insight to bring to your provider — genetics as a guide, not a guarantee, and never a substitute for medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rs1042714 variant in ADRB2?

rs1042714 is a variant in the ADRB2 gene that swaps glutamine for glutamic acid at position 27 (Gln27Glu) in the beta-2 adrenergic receptor. It can influence how the receptor is regulated over time and has been studied for associations with weight, metabolism, and airway and cardiovascular biology.

Does rs1042714 mean I will become obese?

No. Some studies link the Glu27 allele to modest differences in body weight, but effects are small, vary by population, and depend heavily on diet and activity. The variant is a contributing factor among many, not a diagnosis or a guarantee of any weight outcome.

Can genetic testing tell me which medication to take?

No. The Precision Peptide Genetic Test provides pathway-level insight into your biology; it does not predict response to any specific medication or determine treatment. Medication decisions, including anything involving the adrenergic system, are clinical choices made with a qualified healthcare provider.

How can I support healthy metabolic and adrenergic function?

General wellness habits help most: regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management all support metabolic and cardiovascular health regardless of genotype. Use genetic insight as context, and work with your provider before making significant changes to your routine.

Want pathway-level insight into how your body mobilizes and stores energy? Take the Precision Peptide Genetic Test to explore 14 pathways, 49 peptides, 150+ genetic insights at the DNA level. PlexusDx tells you about your biology — your provider helps you decide what to do with it.

Disclaimer: The Precision Peptide Genetic Test analyzes how your genes influence peptide-related biological pathways. It does not recommend, prescribe, or determine which peptides you should use, and it does not diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or manage any disease or condition. Genetics is a guide, not a guarantee. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide protocol or making changes to your health plan.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.

This article is part of the PlexusDx Education Hub. Browse all Diet & Genetics education.