Genetic Testing for Weight Loss

As America's waistline is increasing, the search for the perfect and painless solution to a slender and healthy body continues. Instead of facing reality and changing their lifestyles, people desperate to shed the pounds resort to everything from stomach surgery to diet pills. Genetic testing for weight loss is the latest supposed solution.

Genetic Testing

• In June 2009 a company named Interleukin Genetics introduced a new test for weight management that identifies an individual's genetic tendencies for weight gain and metabolism. According to the company's website, ilgenetics.com, "The new Weight Management test includes personalized guidance on specific diet and exercise choices that may have highest impact on weight loss, based on the individual's genetic makeup." When you do this test, you are supposed to find out about important factors such as whether you should focus on eating a diet low in carbohydrates or low in fat, whether you should exercise intensely or mildly for best results. Basically, you will be able to customize your diet and exercise plan according to your own unique person, enabling you to finally understand what exactly it is that you are doing wrong. (ref 1) Chief scientific officer Kenneth Kornman is careful to point out, "It's not a magic diet. It is, in fact, an indication, a very clear indication of how an individual's body works with certain foods and not with others." (ref 2)

Considerations

• It seems that genetic testing can help you lose weight. Amy Katsis is someone who claims she lost 30 pounds and has kept it off ever since due to having used a DNA home kit from Interleukin Genetics. (ref 2) It is important, however, to understand that, as of 2009, the science behind genetic testing has a long way to go before it becomes really effective. Most people can lose their excess weight simply by exercising more and eating a healthy diet regardless of their genes. A diet and fitness expert on the CNN website, Dr. Melina Jampolis, says that while DNA tests can help you, there are less expensive ways, such as testing of cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure and measurement of waist circumference, to find out how you should eat and exercise. She does not recommend that you undergo genetic testing. Instead, she recommends that you look at your weight loss situation this way: if you tend to put on weight around your waistline, cut the processed, sugary carbs. If you tend to put on weight all over your body, focus on a lower calorie, lower fat diet. (ref 3)