Your genes can interact with the food you eat when it comes to weight loss—but just how much of an impact does it make? A systematic review of the literature has revealed some interesting associations between genotype–diet interactions and weight loss. For instance, a low-fat diet may be more effective for individuals with specific genetic backgrounds, while a Mediterranean diet may benefit those with other genetic backgrounds.
Personally, I find the research on weight loss, genetics, and diet to be interesting. However, the differences in weight loss outcomes based on genetics are more of a statistical change (a couple of pounds, in many cases) instead of a real game-changer for weight loss. The best weight loss diet is one that is both healthy and something you can maintain long-term.
If you have questions on healthy eating, talk with a nutritionist, functional medicine doctor, or someone with a solid background in the subject.
Most diet-gene interaction studies look at overall fat, carbs, or protein. They aren’t getting into the details of whether the carbohydrates were whole grains and fruits vs. processed junk. Likewise, high-fat diets aren’t differentiating between pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed butter, or industrial seed oils.
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