Adenoviruses: Causing Weight Gain and Obesity
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.
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… and the diet-guru advice won’t work the same for everyone.
Take an in-depth look at genetics and weight so that you can understand the ‘why’ and come up with a solution perfect for you.
Member’s: Check out the Weight Loss Topic Summary Report for a quick overview of all your genetic variants related to weight loss.
PPARG: regulating adipocytes and glucose levels
PPAR-gamma controls how new fat cells are made as well as interacting with the immune system. Genetic variants impact PPARG levels.
Blood glucose levels: how your genes impact blood sugar regulation
Genetics plays a significant role in your blood glucose regulation. Discover your genetic susceptibility to blood sugar problems to help with blood glucose stability.
Picking the right diet for your genes
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.
Targeting the GLP-1 Receptor: Genetics and a New Option for Weight Loss
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.
Guide: Saving Money on Supplements
Five quick examples of how you could use your genetic data to dial in the supplements worth trying and which ones to skip for now.
FTO: The ‘fatso’ gene & weight
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.
Genetics & Weight Report
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.
UCP1: Brown fat and increased fat burning
Some people do have more active ‘internal heat’ and they actually are burning off more energy all the time. Discover how the UCP1 gene in brown fat turns up internal energy, the genetic variants that impair this, and options for revving up the heat.
Growing up ‘big boned’: MC4R gene 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)
Oxytocin and Weight Loss
A look into the possible use of intranasal oxytocin for weight loss. Discover more and what your response might be depending on your genes.
SCD1: A lynchpin of metabolism
The SCD1 enzyme converts saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fats. Learn how your genes impact this enzyme, and how this relates to weight loss.
SIRTfoods diet: Sirtuins and turning on your skinny genes
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.
Ghrelin: The hunger hormone
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)
PPAR-Delta: Burning off the Fat
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.
Hacking your endocannabinoids for weight loss
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)
How your genes shape your gut microbiome and weight
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.
Leptin Receptors: Genetics and 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? 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: How Your Genes Influence BPA Detoxification
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.
Is intermittent fasting right for you?
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.
Circadian Rhythm: Weight Loss and Meal Timing
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.
Hacking BDNF for weight loss
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.
Weight Loss: Optimizing your diet based on your genes
Does the perfect diet exist? Most people want to lose weight to ‘get healthy’. Perhaps we are all looking at weight loss backward. Instead of losing weight to get healthy, we should get healthy and then naturally lose weight. Learn how to focus on finding your own genetically correct diet while optimizing your lifestyle to get healthy first.
Color TV has made us fat: melatonin, genetics, and light at night
Melatonin is vital to good health — impacting weight, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and more. Learn how your genes interact with melatonin.
UCP2 Gene: Weight Loss Lifehacks
UCP2 gene plays a role in energy production, metabolism, and inflammation. Understanding your UCP2 variants can give you a head start in understanding your weight loss and what might actually work best for you.