In This Article
In This Article
Maintaining a healthy weight can be difficult, especially if you're unaware of how your body and genetic makeup influence how quickly or slowly you can shed extra pounds.
No matter how hard we work to lose weight or live as healthy as possible, our genetic information influences our weight.
We each have to tailor our approach to weight loss while considering how we're built and how our DNA has contributed to our lifestyles and capacity for exercise.
Knowing what you’re up against regarding DNA and weight loss doesn’t mean you can change your genetic information, but you can make lifestyle changes based on what you learn.
A DNA test could help you lose weight if you know how to use the information.
Your metabolic rate determines how fast your body burns calories.1
People with slower metabolisms tend to have more difficulty losing weight than those with a faster metabolic rate.2
People with faster metabolisms need more calories to feel their best and can eat more without concern about gaining weight. DNA testing can help you evaluate your metabolic rate, and it’s one of the main ways DNA testing can be used for weight loss.
What “works” fitness or exercise-wise varies from person to person, depending on their goals and genetic makeup.
For example, someone who wants to maintain muscle tone might need to do different exercises than someone who wants to lose weight. However, we can't ignore that everyone is built differently and loses or gains weight differently.
Some people's DNA may dictate that consistent, light exercise is enough. Others may have a different reality and a slower metabolism.
Source: 123rf
For some, cardio may be the best option. For others, it may be HIIT. Finding what your body responds to best while ensuring it aligns with your lifestyle is important, as it will make exercise something you simultaneously look forward to and benefit from.
The key here is to use genetic information to determine which exercises will benefit you best based on your goals. The more you know how your body works based on its genes, the better you can plan your fitness regimen.
Injuries are one of the main reasons people fall off the exercise wagon.
Even the most motivated and disciplined people can lose enthusiasm for exercising to lose weight if they suffer an injury. Understanding your risk and how to work around that risk helps you determine which exercises are best for you.
DNA provides a detailed analysis of how your genes affect your body’s ability to build muscle and whether you are susceptible to specific injuries, such as torn ligaments or broken bones.3
When most people hear allergies, they think of stuffy noses and other hay fever symptoms. But there are other types of allergies, including food allergies. And food allergies can cause you to hold onto excess body fat.
Food allergies also affect how you feel overall.
Not feeling your best means you’ll be less motivated to stay active and put effort into eating healthy. Many people find they spiral into bad habits when feeling less than optimal.
Knowing your food allergies and identifying foods that make you feel bad, even if those bad feelings are subtle, is a great way to improve your overall health.
This last tip is related to food allergies, but it goes deeper than just knowing what triggers an allergic reaction.
DNA tests can give you much information about choosing the best foods for your body. You’ll know whether a high-carb, low-fat diet works best for you or if the opposite is true.
Ultimately, this is what DNA testing for weight loss is all about.
Source: 123rf
Testing provides you with information that you can use however you choose. You can apply what you learn from the test to your diet, fitness, and overall weight loss goals.
Like most tools to help you lose weight, DNA testing is not a cure-all. You’ll still need to put in the effort to lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight, but it’s a great place to begin your weight loss journey.
Summary
DNA testing can help you better understand your body, the exercise it responds best to, foods you should avoid, and your risk for injury. Knowing these things will equip you with what you need most to attain and maintain a healthy weight.
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