Wondering what your genetic data shows about your weight? Research shows that weight is highly heritable and your genes play a big role in your propensity to weigh more. However, there are multiple pathways involved in weight regulation… and the diet-guru advice won’t work the same for everyone.
Take an in-depth look at how your genes influence your weight so that you can understand the ‘why’ — and then figure out your best weight loss options for diet and supplements.
Have you ever thought, “If I just exercised a little more, I could lose that extra 20 pounds!” A new study published in September 2024 looked at the relationship between weight loss, aerobic exercise, and genetics. It attempts to answer the question, “Who loses weight and why? Losers and gainers: … Read more
Is there an easy way to compare what diet might be best based on your genotype? Research shows some interesting associations between genotype and diet interactions and weight loss.
PLIN1 is important in lipolysis, weight, and insulin resistance. Understanding your genes can help you dial in your diet.
There have been several interesting studies linking obesity to a viral infection, specifically an adenovirus. Learn more about this virus and its association with obesity.
PPAR-gamma controls how new fat cells are made as well as interacting with the immune system. Genetic variants impact PPARG levels.
Genetics plays a significant role in your blood glucose regulation. Discover your genetic susceptibility to blood sugar problems to help with blood glucose stability.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are used for weight loss by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin and reducing hunger. However, genetic variants can alter the response in some people.
Do you wonder why other people don’t seem to struggle with wanting to eat more? Ever wished your body could just naturally know that it has had enough food and turn off the desire to eat? You might carry a genetic variant in the leptin receptor gene which is linked to not feeling as full or satisfied by your meal. (Member’s article)
BPA, a chemical found in some plastics, has been linked to a variety of health issues in people. Learn more about BPA and the research into genetic responses to this chemical.
The FTO gene is nick-named the ‘fatso gene’ because of its association with obesity. This article digs into the current research on the FTO gene and then will give you some science-based options for controlling your weight if you carry the FTO genetic variant.
This DIY genetics report shows you how your genetic raw data for weight-related genes are linked to your weight. We are all different, and a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss does not work for everyone.
Some people have more active ‘internal heat’ and they actually are burning off more energy all the time. The UCP1 gene is important for mitochondrial energy use and heat production from brown fat. Genetic variants in UCP1 can cause weight gain and obesity.
There are several key players in our body’s regulation of hunger, satiety, and energy expenditure. Leptin and ghrelin are two pivotal hormones involved in our desire to eat. Within that leptin pathway, another key regulator of our body weight is MC4R. (Member’s article)
A look into the possible use of intranasal oxytocin for weight loss. Discover more and what your response might be depending on your genes.
The SCD1 enzyme converts saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fats. Learn how your genes impact this enzyme, and how this relates to weight loss.
The SIRTfood diet, made popular by Adele’s recent weight loss, theoretically works by affecting your sirtuin gene expression. Learn about your SIRT genes and your genetic variants.
The hunger hormone, ghrelin, is important in appetite regulation and satiety. Learn how your genes interact with your diet when it comes to ghrelin levels. (Member’s article)
PPARδ is a key player in how and when your muscles burn fat for fuel. Genetic variants in the PPARD gene impact how well your muscles utilize fatty acids. These variants also impact how much of a fat-burning benefit you get from exercise.
Genetic variants in the endocannabinoid system are strongly linked to increased appetite and higher weight. Find out if you naturally have ‘the munchies’. (Member’s article)
Utilize our Weight Loss Topic Summary Reports with your 23andMe or AncestryDNA genetic data to see which articles may be most relevant to you. These summaries are attempting to distill the complex information down into just a few words. Please see the linked articles for details and complete references. (Member’s article)
Differences in our microbiome might shape how we gain weight. Here’s a look at a few of the genes that play a role in determining which microbes inhabit the gut microbiome.
The FGF21 gene codes for a hormone that is created in the liver and is important for appetite regulation. One variant is linked to increasing carbohydrate consumption – but without an increase in weight gain or diabetes. (Member’s article)
Intermittent fasting and ketosis have a lot of benefits, but they may not be right for you. Your genes play a role in how you feel when fasting.
It isn’t just what you eat, it is WHEN you eat. Learn how meal timing impact weight – and how your genes are important here.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a fascinating growth hormone that performs many functions in our brain. Its involvement helps to support neurons and neuronal growth. In addition, it plays a role in long-term memory — and it also is important in obesity.