Can your genes (Xs and Ys) help you shed those extra pounds? This is one of the million-dollar questions these days.
For nutritional researchers and expert dietitians, unraveling the human genetic makeup was the equivalent of finding a hidden keyhole in a locked door one tried to open, only to discover that the targeted genetic components are buried in a giant pile of more than three billion genes (the number of base pairs in a human DNA). The good news is that there has already been some early success in the identification of specific genes that influence how we metabolize things like saturated carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and a variety of drugs.
So, read on to find out if a genetic test and consuming weight-loss specific diet help you lose weight.
Does the genome make you more likely to be obese or skinny?
The latest research indicates that we can inherit our natural weight state through genetics. A recent study associates multiple gene locations with both healthy thinness and obesity, which means that changes in those locations may make you predisposed to a lighter or heavier natural weight.
The research posits something that you may have guessed from your personal experience; based on their genetics alone, certain people have an easier task to keep their weight. However, it is important to note that only genetic makeup is not a determining factor. Diet, exercise, habits, and the environment also play enormous roles in weight determination.
Can genetics help you pick an effective weight loss diet?
Recent studies have supported the idea that a genetic test can help you select a weight loss diet that is more effective. According to a 2010 study, four specific genes have been identified that can help determine which diet would work best for you.
For instance, the test would tell you if you would be better off with a low-carb diet or a low-fat diet. The study revealed that participants who consume genetically-appropriate diet lost more than 10% of their total body weight over one year relative to participants who were not on their weight loss precision diet.
Where can we expect the next breakthroughs?
There are a few other weight loss related areas where we could see a genetic breakthrough.
One of the most promising areas of future development is in the intestine. The collection of microorganisms that inhabit the human gut is currently a hot topic in genetic studies. Gut bacteria are successfully manipulated to treat autism and has been linked to everything from schizophrenia to Alzheimer’s disease. Research has now begun to connect the microbiome to weight loss. Shortly, we might see some major advancements in genetic modification of gut microbiome that lead to more successful individual diets
Conclusion
Nutrigenomics and weight loss are still very much in their infancy. While new evidence continues to emerge, the most comprehensive studies and clinical trials to date suggest that genetic testing can help lose weight by enabling you to pick a more healthy diet. As precision genetics gain further traction, the genomic-based dietary systems can be expected to become the norm rather than the exception.