Having trouble losing weight? Perhaps it has something to do with your DNA. A company called Interleukin Genetics will look at your DNA, and suggest an appropriate diet for you, based on your genotype. If obesity runs in your family, this test could be something to consider.
It has been known for quite some time that obesity runs in families. In May of 2011, a team of researchers discovered that there is a gene called KLF14 that acts like a “master switch” that controls the other genes that are related to obesity.
This discovery came after a group of British researchers looked at 20,000 genes that came from fat samples that came from 800 British women, (all of whom were twins). Other researchers, from Iceland, found the same results when they looked at fat samples from 600 people in Iceland.
Interleukin Genetics teamed up with researchers from Stanford University, in order to create a DNA test kit that can be used for a specific, unique, purpose. The test kit costs $169.00, and is designed to help customize what you should be eating, and how you should be exercising, based on your DNA. Could this work for you?
The researchers selected 141 participants that were invited by email to use a DNA collection kit to swap their cheeks. These samples were then used by scientists to evaluate each individual in the study. All of the people in the study were female, pre-menopausal, and either overweight or obese.
The researchers divided the participants into four different groups. Each group started a certain kind of weight loss diet. One was a low carb diet, one was a low carb/ high protein diet, one was a low fat diet, and the last one was a very low fat diet.
When the study was done, the results showed that the women who lost the most weight were the ones who were on a diet that matched their genotype. That group lost a total of 5.3% of their body weight while they were on the diet. The women who were not on a diet that was appropriate to their genotype only lost 2.3% of their body weight.
Theoretically, a person could use one of the DNA test kits from this company to learn what type of diet would be the best one for them to try. It might make people’s attempts to lose weight by dieting more effective.
It should be pointed out that a person should consult with a doctor before starting a diet, just in case the diet isn’t going to be a great match for that person’s existing health conditions. It is also worth noting that exercise is another thing that can help a person to lose weight.
Image by ynse on Flickr