Is the Key to Slimming Down in Your Genes?
There’s a new wrinkle in the low-fat vs. low-carb diet wars. For years, these popular weight-loss approaches have battled it out in medical journals—some studies show slashing carbs is better at prompting weight loss; in others, cutting fat seems to work best. But recent studies from Stanford University could render the discussion moot.
Their research shows that particular genetic patterns predicted whether a patient would respond better to one of the diets. Among 138 women, those who were on a meal-plan that matched their DNA were able to lose three times more weight than those who were not. Those who dieted in accordance with their particular “genotype” shed as many as 55 pounds, while those whose diet was not matched to their genes lost up to 30 pounds.
Such genotyping is possible thanks to a test developed by Interleukin Genetics. It looks at variations on four genes closely tied to weight regulation, affecting such factors as insulin response and fat absorption. Testing involves a simple cheek swab to collect cells from a person’s mouth. According to researchers, about 39 percent of Americans have a low-fat genotype; 45 percent have a low-carb genotype; and the remaining 16 percent fall in neither camp.
The participants in the study were drawn from a previous investigation in which researchers randomly assigned about 300 women to one of four popular diets: the low-carb Atkins diet, the low-carb Zone diet, the super low-fat Ornish diet and the low-fat LEARN diet. Although women lost slightly more weight on average following the Atkins diet, there was a puzzling range of responses among those on each of the diets—some lost 30 pounds or more, while others gained 10 pounds.
For the new study, researchers tracked subjects down to get a cheek swab. The resulting data showed that genotype made a significant difference in how much weight women had dropped on their assigned diets, regardless of whether they were cutting fat or carbs.
The findings may help explain one of the enduring frustrations of weight loss—why some people never seem to lose weight, no matter how hard they try. “I’ve been working in the weight loss field for a long time and I’ve had many patients say, ‘I tried what you prescribed for me, but I’m not losing weight,’” says lead researcher Mindy Dopler Nelson, Ph.D., now at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. “They drop pounds initially, but don’t go beyond that. That may be where their genetics are starting to override their eating habits.”
Of course, following the “right” diet still requires commitment. “But adherence to a diet might be better if one is following it and seeing results,” says Dopler Nelson. “The test provides one extra tool to help people make better eating choices.”
What weight loss tools do you find helpful?
CONNECT THE DOTS
The Interleukin Genetics gene test is being used by dieticians and physicians as well as weight-loss centers nationwide to help guide the treatment of obesity. Read more about the test and the Stanford study findings here or in the Wall Street Journal. Individuals can order the test online from Inherent Health for about $170. For more diet-related news, read our blog posts, “Free Weight Loss App Combines Calorie Count and Food Diary,” “Four Healthy Ways to Lose Weight and Keep It Off,” and “3 Healthy Family Habits to Prevent Childhood Obesity.”
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