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.
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 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.
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)
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 plays a big role in your blood glucose regulation. Discover your genetic susceptibility to blood sugar problems to help with blood glucose stability.
A look into the possible use of intranasal oxytocin for weight loss. Discover more and what your response might be depending on your genes.
Emulsifiers, found in a lot of processed and packaged foods, can trigger an inflammatory response in the intestines based on whether you carry specific genetic variants.
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 you 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.
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.
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)
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)
Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth with an enzyme called amylase. Take a look into how the amylase enzyme works, genetic variants that impact your production of amylase, and solutions if you are low in amylase. (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.
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.
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.
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.
Differences in our microbiome might shape how we gain weight. Several studies have come out recently showing that those who are overweight have a different gut microbiome composition than those who are lean. Here’s a look at a few of the genes that play a role in determining which microbes inhabit the gut microbiome.
Although production occurs in adipose tissue, those with more fat tissue usually have lower adiponectin levels. Lower adiponectin levels (and thus high inflammation) have links to chronic issues associated with obesity.
DHEA is a hormone that does a lot in the body – including influencing muscle mass and weight. This quick article examines just one aspect of DHEA: how it affects our weight. But the genetic variants included here also impact other impacts of DHEA in the body. (Member’s article)