Phthalates are a type of chemical used as plasticizers to make plastics more pliable. There has been a lot of research on the endocrine-disrupting effects of phthalates. Your genetic variants may impact whether phthalates are a problem for you.
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.
Genetics combined with diet causes insulin resistance. While dietary sugar can be involved, genetic research points to BCAAs as having a causal role in IR.
PPAR-gamma controls how new fat cells are made as well as interacting with the immune system. Genetic variants impact PPARG levels.
Not all type 2 diabetes risk is from what you eat… Genetics plays a big role in diabetes. Learn more about your genetic susceptibility.
Discover why inflammation causes depression and how your genetic variants in inflammatory genes may play a role in depression or anxiety.
Berberine, a natural compound, is found in plants such as Oregon grape, barberry, and goldenseal. It has been a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Take a look into the research and health benefits of this age-old compound.
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.
GLP-1, a small peptide, tells your pancreas to release insulin after a meal and signals to your brain to stop eating. If you are someone who struggles with appetite, weight, or with diabetes, the GLP-1 hormone may be at the heart of your issues.
The initial research on the FTO gene was all about how it relates to increased BMI and increased fat cell creation. More recently, researchers discovered that FTO is an m6A eraser that removes methyl groups from mRNA. This discovery has opened up huge avenues of research on topics from cancer to immune response to heart disease.
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.
Mast cells are essential to your innate immune system, defending against pathogens and allergens. For some people, mast cells can be triggered too easily, giving allergy-like responses to lots of different substances.
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 CYP2E1 enzyme is part of the phase I detoxification system. Discover how variants might affect your alcohol metabolism and more.
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)
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)
High triglycerides are linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Both genetics and diet combine to elevate triglyceride levels. Learn how your genes interact with what you eat to lower your triglycerides.
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)
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.
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.