Gene diet: how your own DNA can help you lose weight

Many people have a rough idea of ​​how their own body works in relation to nutrition: One knows that it does not tolerate lentils well, the other unfortunately knows only too well about their evening cravings.

But how about knowing in detail what makes your own body tick? What does it metabolize well and which foods do it have difficulties with?

“This individual approach naturally also appeals to people for whom other ways of losing weight have so far not worked,” says Annabel Dierks, nutrition expert at the Bremen Consumer Center.

True to the motto: Now it finally has to work – after all, the plan was made especially for me.

Do you prefer quark or bread in the morning?

The providers argue that bodies are made very differently in terms of their needs and properties. If you follow this logic, general dietary recommendations inevitably reach their limits.

“You can’t feel what works well for your body – apart from obvious symptoms such as stomach pain,” says Olaf Schneider, managing director and founder of the health company cerascreen, which offers self-tests.

Against this background, DNA analyzes are informative, says Schneider. For example, to find out how well you can metabolize proteins, fats or carbohydrates. For example, quark may turn out to be a better choice for your own body in the morning than a bread roll.

Genes that affect metabolism

DNA analyzes focus on the genes. They not only contain physical characteristics such as eye or hair color, but also information about metabolism or feelings of hunger and satiety.

It is known, for example, that the so-called FTO gene in certain forms can increase the risk of obesity. But many questions are still open.

“It is absolutely correct that people have gene variations that can have different effects on the metabolism,” says consumer advocate Dierks. However, science is not yet far enough on this subject. “There is a lot that has not yet been discovered or has been scientifically proven.”

Genetic testing providers can therefore only pick a selection of gene variations in order to test them and derive recommendations. Whether this can depict the body in its entirety is questionable.

The role of lifestyle

In addition: Lifestyle also plays a role when it comes to whether the desired kilos disappear. “A lack of exercise, for example, cannot be fully compensated for by diet,” says cerascreen managing director Schneider. So you have to be ready to change something in your behavior.

The costs for a metabolism test are – depending on the provider – around 150 to 300 euros. How the price turns out also depends on whether personal nutrition coaching is included or you just receive a report including dietary recommendations.

In the end, a classic nutritional consultation might lead to the goal. Ultimately, that’s also individualized, says Annabel Dierks. “There is a preliminary talk, a nutrition protocol is kept and preferences are included in the consultation.”