In a quest to slim down, Americans are turning to science for answers, and it's their DNA that might hold the key. Tailored weight loss plans are not the stuff of science fiction any more, with new tests promising personalized strategies to shed those stubborn pounds, shaped by one's genetic makeup.
Brenda Littleton's journey began with a desire not to follow in the footsteps of her mother, whose health declined with weight gain. "I wouldn't say let herself go, but you can tell what extra weight does to a frame, to somebody's body, and how it affects everything that they do," Littleton told KENS 5. Struggling with her own weight loss efforts, the revelation from her doctor was eye-opening: "It's all genetic," she says. "It's all hereditary. No matter what you do, that's not going to change."
This is where companies like Any Lab Test Now step in. Ashwin Chary, the company's director of operations in San Antonio, articulated how a simple DNA test could illuminate the path forward. "This is performed as a DNA test," Chary says, "and based on that, it's going to give you recommendations based on your genotypes to see what weight loss program would be good for you." According to the testing methodology, customers receive a report that breaks down their optimal dietary needs and creates a custom exercise plan based on their DNA results.
After the cheek swab results are processed, they're swiftly sent back to customers through email. "Once this result is given back to our customer, they can even take it to their doctor or their personal trainer, nutritionist and get it even more personalized to their dietary requirements," Chary said to KENS 5. Dr. Andres Acosta, an assistant professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, has divided obesity into four categories, underscoring the complexity of the condition, and the need for genetically informed approaches to treatment.
