DNA Diets: Do Some People Lose More Fat on Keto Because of Their Genes Summary
- A 12-week randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of DNA diets/DNA based diets. Participants were categorized as “fat-responders” or “carbohydrate-responders” based on a DNA diet test and were assigned to a high-fat or high-carbohydrate diet accordingly.
- Interestingly, the study found no significant difference in weight loss between individuals on DNA diets who ate based on their genotype or not eating based on a gene-diet. Both groups achieved similar weight loss, indicating that DNA diets or DNA based diets do not lead to significantly different weight loss outcomes.
- The results challenge the efficacy of diet personalization based solely on the genetic markers tested in this study (i.e., DNA based diets). Consequently, it suggests that, for weight loss, a more generalized dietary approach may be just as effective as a DNA based diet, highlighting the need for further research in the field of nutrigenomics and DNA diet tests.
Introduction to DNA Diets
The quest for fat loss strategies is a prominent theme in the fitness space for bodybuilders, fitness competitors, and those who want to look better. Some people have posted that they respond better to specific diets (i.e., keto or low fat) despite the evidence that both diets are equally effective for fat loss.
Moreover, When protein and calories are similar, differences in weight loss between these low-fat and low-carb diets are typically minor between diets. (Johnston et al., 2014) However, individual weight loss responses can vary significantly, indicating that personal reactions to these diet types are not the same. Nutrigenomics, the study of the interaction between genes and nutrition, has made significant progress in understanding how genetic variations influence an individual’s response to dietary components. This has led some to speculate that DNA diets may be better for those with specific genes. (Brennan et al., 2017) For example, some people have genetic predispositions in which they handle fats or carbohydrates more readily.
Gene Diets and Nutrigenomics
Some have recently proposed eating based on your “gene type” or “DNA based diets.” For example, you would send a company a finger prick of blood, and they would run a DNA diet test to see what genes you have, and based on the results, they would send back results recommending DNA based diets higher in fat or higher in carbs and lower in fat.
DNA Diet Tests: A Closer Look
Using a DNA diet test to determine the optimal DNA diet is appealing, as it promises a customized approach to nutrition. Furthermore, this concept hinges on the idea that an individual’s genetic makeup can influence their response to different types of diets, potentially offering a more personalized and effective route to weight loss. (Höchsmann et al., 2023) A new study questions whether DNA based diets, even when developed from a DNA diet test, have a significant impact on weight loss.
Review of Literature of DNA Based Diets
The concept of genetically informed weight loss is rooted in nutrigenomics—the study of the interaction between nutrition and genes. Research in this field suggests that genetic variations can affect metabolic responses to different diets, thereby influencing weight loss outcomes (McCabe & McCabe, 2004; Qi, 2014). For instance, in an earlier study examining weight loss over 12 months, women who were overweight and whose diets matched their genetic profiles related to fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
Women with a genetic predisposition towards a low-fat diet lost an average of 6 kg/ 13.2 pounds when their meal plans were aligned with their genetic makeup, compared to just 2 kg/4.4 pounds when there was a mismatch. Similarly, participants with a genotype favoring low-carbohydrate diets experienced greater weight loss on those diets compared to when they followed low-fat diets. (Qi, 2014)
However, the field is not without controversy. Some researchers argue that the impact of genetic variations on diet response is relatively modest and may not be clinically significant. (Hall & Kahan, 2018) Moreover, comprehensive reviews and meta-analyses have shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of DNA diets compared to standard dietary advice. (Celis-Morales et al., 2016)
Study on DNA Based Diets for Weight Loss
A landmark study in this area of genetic testing for weight loss was conducted by Hoechsmann et al. (2023). In this randomized clinical trial, 145 participants were classified as fat-responsive (i.e., responded better to high fat/low carb diets) or carbohydrate-responsive (responded better to high carb diets/ low fat) based on a DNA diet test of 10 genes they carried. The fat-responsive would theoretically respond better to keto and low-carb diets, while the carb-responsive would respond better to high-carb diets. They were then assigned to either a high-fat or high-carbohydrate diet. Participants were randomized into four groups:
- Fat responders on a high-fat diet
- Fat-responders on a high-carbohydrate diet
- Carbohydrate-responders on a high-fat diet
- Carbohydrate-responders on a high-carbohydrate diet
In the study, all diet groups were subjected to the same level of energy restriction, ensuring that any differences in weight loss outcomes could be attributed to the dietary composition rather than differing caloric intakes. The diets in the study were structured as follows:
- High-Carbohydrate Diet: Approximately 20% of energy from fat and 65% from carbohydrates.
- High-Fat Diet: Approximately 40% of energy is from fat, and 45% is from carbohydrates.
Both diets provided 15% of energy from protein. Researchers assigned participants a daily energy intake target to achieve a deficit of about 750 calories. They tailored the total caloric intake for each individual, ranging from 1400 to 2800 calories per day in increments of 200 calories.
Study Findings on DNA Based Diets
The study found that after 12 weeks, there was no significant difference in weight loss or fat loss between participants on DNA diets that were preferable for their genes and those not based on their genes. Specifically, the weight loss was -5.3 kg/11.66 pounds in the DNA diets versus -4.8 kg/10.56 pounds, which was not preferable for their DNA based diets.
They also measured insulin and insulin sensitivity, and no significant association was found between baseline insulin levels, HOMA-IR, and the amount of weight change. This suggests that insulin sensitivity/resistance did not play a major role in the efficacy of DNA diets.
DNA Diets: A Summary
These results challenge the notion that a genetically informed diet is significantly more effective for weight loss than a traditional diet approach. It suggests that while genetic factors may play a role in dietary response, their influence might not be as pronounced as previously thought. The study concluded that diets matched to specific genetic makeups (fat- or carbohydrate-responsive genotypes) show no evidence of providing greater weight loss benefits, based on the genetic variants examined.
Practical Applications for Those Who Follow Gene Diets or DNA Diets
The findings from Hoechsmann et al. (2023) and other similar studies have practical implications for DNA diets and weight loss strategies. While DNA diet tests can provide interesting insights into individual metabolic responses, they may not be necessary for effective weight loss strategies. This underscores the importance of other factors in weight loss, such as calorie intake, food quality, physical activity, and behavioral changes.
Moreover, these findings highlight the need for a balanced approach to dieting. Both high-fat and high-carbohydrate diets can be effective for weight loss, and the choice between them should be based on individual preferences, lifestyle, and health goals rather than solely on genetic makeup.
Conclusion on DNA Based Diets
The findings from Hoechsmann et al. (2023) and other similar studies have practical implications for DNA diets and weight loss strategies. While DNA diet tests can provide interesting insights into individual metabolic responses, they may not be necessary for effective weight loss strategies. This underscores the importance of other factors in weight loss, such as calorie intake, food quality, physical activity, and behavioral changes.
Moreover, these findings highlight the need for a balanced approach to dieting. Both high-fat and high-carbohydrate diets can be effective for weight loss, and the choice between them should be based on individual preferences, lifestyle, and health goals rather than solely on genetic makeup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while DNA based diets offer an intriguing approach to personalized nutrition, current evidence suggests that their impact on weight loss might be less significant than other factors. This emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to weight loss, considering a variety of dietary patterns and lifestyle factors.
References
Brennan, L., Gibney, M. J., Gibney, E. R., O’Donovan, C. B., & Walsh, M. C. (2017). Knowing your genes: does this impact behaviour change? Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 76(3), 182-191. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665116002949
Celis-Morales, C., Livingstone, K. M., Marsaux, C. F., Macready, A. L., Fallaize, R., O’Donovan, C. B., Woolhead, C., Forster, H., Walsh, M. C., Navas-Carretero, S., San-Cristobal, R., Tsirigoti, L., Lambrinou, C. P., Mavrogianni, C., Moschonis, G., Kolossa, S., Hallmann, J., Godlewska, M., Surwiłło, A., . . . Study, o. b. o. t. F. M. (2016). Effect of personalized nutrition on health-related behaviour change: evidence from the Food4Me European randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Epidemiology, 46(2), 578-588. https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyw186
Hall, K. D., & Kahan, S. (2018). Maintenance of Lost Weight and Long-Term Management of Obesity. Medical Clinics of North America, 102(1), 183-197. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2017.08.012
Höchsmann, C., Yang, S., Ordovás, J. M., Dorling, J. L., Champagne, C. M., Apolzan, J. W., Greenway, F. L., Cardel, M. I., Foster, G. D., & Martin, C. K. (2023). The Personalized Nutrition Study (POINTS): evaluation of a genetically informed weight loss approach, a Randomized Clinical Trial. Nat Commun, 14(1), 6321. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41969-1
Johnston, B. C., Kanters, S., Bandayrel, K., Wu, P., Naji, F., Siemieniuk, R. A., Ball, G. D., Busse, J. W., Thorlund, K., Guyatt, G., Jansen, J. P., & Mills, E. J. (2014). Comparison of weight loss among named diet programs in overweight and obese adults: a meta-analysis. JAMA, 312(9), 923-933. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2014.10397
McCabe, L. L., & McCabe, E. R. B. (2004). GENETIC SCREENING: Carriers and Affected Individuals. Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, 5(1), 57-69. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.genom.5.061903.175941
Qi, L. (2014). Gene-diet interaction and weight loss. Curr Opin Lipidol, 25(1), 27-34. https://doi.org/10.1097/mol.0000000000000037
Additional Information on DNA Diets
A team of researchers conducted extensive research on how genetic information from DNA testing influences eating habits. Despite tailored diet plans based on deoxyribonucleic acid analysis, there’s no significant change in achieving an ideal weight. The study included blood tests to guide food choices, but found wellness isn’t solely dependent on genetic information.
