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Optimise weight management by tailoring your diet to your genes and having a personalised eating plan
With the festive season approaching, managing your eating habits might be hard. Even with the best of intentions, ditching unhealthy food and choosing to eat better over the holiday period can be a challenge.
Fad diets promise dramatic and unrealistic weight loss results and may even have a negative impact on your health as a result of inadequate vitamin and mineral intake. This issue is only exacerbated by dietary studies that always seem to contradict each other – today eggs will raise your cholesterol, tomorrow they are a healthy, nutrient-rich food; red wine and dark chocolate in your diet will help you live longer one week and harm you the next.
It is far more beneficial to focus on eating habits and tailor what you eat to the needs of your body. Genetic testing can make it a lot simpler to master a healthier routine, turning weight management into a by-product of a lifestyle that includes eating food that nourishes you.
Genetic testing personalises diet and lifestyle recommendations based on the idea that each of us responds to foods differently because of our unique genetic make-up, which is why we have individual nutritional needs.
“There is no such thing as ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to weight loss,” says Dr Danny Meyersfeld, CEO of DNAlysis Biotechnology, one of South Africa’s premier genetic testing laboratories. “Dietary and lifestyle changes are made that much easier when you can get nutrition and diet advice matched to your genes. DNA testing finds the diet type that is most suitable for you, based on your own unique, genetic makeup. Our trained practitioners can craft a bespoke diet plan that will give you the best chance of ensuring healthy, sustainable weight loss.”
A diet that takes into account individual needs provides a holistic and personalised way to help you achieve both weight loss and optimal health. It’s about having insights into what foods, supplements and lifestyle choices will work for you so that you can manage weight more effectively and reduce your risk of non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer.
“DNA testing also reveals genetic predispositions to certain nutrient deficiencies and food sensitivities, such as lactose or gluten, that may have a negative effect on your health,” says dietician, Dalene Rottier-Wilson from Consultant Dietitians. “This helps you know which foods to avoid and which foods or supplements you should add to your diet.”
DNA Diet is a genetic test designed to guide the personalisation of diet and lifestyle recommendations to manage weight. The DNA sample is screened for variations in a number of specific genes associated with particular food responses. “This enables us to find the right Macronutrient distribution for your unique metabolism, depending on how well you burn fats, carbs and animal protein genetically for energy,” says Rottier-Wilson.
Studies have shown that dietary intake and nutrition knowledge is greatly improved when people receive personalised nutrition advice compared to generalised diet plans. The selection of genes included in the DNA Diet test have multiple peer review studies examining how variations in these genes contribute to differences in dietary interventions. These genes impact metabolism, absorption and storage of fats and carbohydrates, to assist in creating a customised diet plan for each person.
“DNA testing can provide key insights into how your body is processing and burning the foods that you eat,” says Rottier-Wilson. “For example, it can reveal if you have a genetic variant that makes you more predisposed to weight gain from eating saturated fat, or a variant that makes the consumption of sugary drinks especially likely to result in weight gain. There are also genetic variants that increase appetite or allowed the body to store more fat. Knowing if you have genes with specific links to weight gain is incredibly empowering and can help you to take control of your weight.”
The test is suitable for anyone who is trying to lose weight, has found it difficult to lose weight in the past, or has tried many different diet types without success. It’s also perfect for anyone who simply wants to optimise their macronutrient distribution for improved weight management.
Understanding your genes can help you make informed decisions for a lifetime of health. The DNA Diet test results can be used in conjunction with results from DNA Health, a genetic test that provides unique insights into your health and susceptibility to chronic diseases. This enables in-depth personalisation of diet, supplement and lifestyle recommendations for optimal health, improved longevity, and prevention of disease.
“DNA Diet can help you understand how your genetic profile can impact your response to different eating plans and which type of diet is best for you,” says Dr Meyersfeld. “Like many other tests within the DNAlysis range, DNA Diet and DNA Health can help you make the right choices from the start rather than having to go through the demotivating and unfulfilling process of trying different diets or different lifestyle routines until you happen to chance on one that works.”
Visit https://dnalysis.co.za to find an accredited practitioner or buy a DNA test online. A practitioner from the DNAlysis accredited network will guide you through the process.