Weight Loss
Wondering what your genetic data shows about your weight? Genetics research shows that weight is highly heritable.
We don’t all have the same genetic variants that cause weight gain… Thus, a one-size-fits-all weight loss plan may not work for you. Let’s take an in-depth look at genetics and weight gain so that you can understand the ‘why’ and come up with a solution.
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View your genetic data in the Weight Loss Topic Summary. Quickly see which articles apply to you!
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FTO: The 'fatso' gene
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.
MC4R- Growing Up Big Boned
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 only article)
UCP1 - Turning Up the Heat on Weight Loss
Your body burns off energy all the time -- but some people have a higher base metabolic rate than others. One reason for this is found in the UCP1 gene variants, which control the amount of thermally active brown fat that you have.
Leptin Receptors: Regulating Hunger
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? It could be that you carry a genetic variant in the leptin receptor gene which is linked to not feeling as full or satisfied by your meal..
Intermittent Fasting
There are many internet docs and nutritional gurus promoting fasting as a way to lose weight and get healthy. There are some real, science-based benefits to fasting. But is it right for you? Your genes may hold the answers. (Member's only article)
Meal Timing
WHEN you eat can be just as important as what foods you choose. Your body's circadian clock controls your metabolism and the breakdown of foods for energy. Learn how changing the timing of meals makes a difference for weight loss.
Endocannabinoids and Weight Gain
Genetic variant in the endocannabinoid system are strongly linked to increased appetite and higher weight. Find out if you naturally have 'the munchies'. (Member's only article)
Sweets without weight gain
The FGF21 gene codes for a hormone that is created in the liver and is important for appetite regulation. One variant is linked to increase carbohydrate consumption - but without an increase in weight gain or diabetes. (Member's Only Article)
Color TV Has Made Us Fat
That flickering blue light from TVs which you see each evening pouring out of every window in the neighborhood is fundamentally changing our biology.
BDNF: Your brain controls your weight
Genetic variants in BDNF are linked with an increased risk for obesity. Learn how to check your genetic raw data - and find out natural ways to boost BDNF. (Member's only article)