Part 7 DNA and Optimal Weight
Have you begun a diet plan with a friend and I lost weight and you didn’t? The reason is probably in your genes! As a woman physician who struggles with this very issue, it has been my life crusade to share my knowledge and personal experience of the often-overlooked successful multi-step approach to optimal weight. Your unique DNA sequences determine what percent of each macronutrient ( proteins, fats, carbohydrates) that you are built to metabolize efficiently. This DNA information regarding your brain neurotransmitters, your proper food balance, and custom exercise rest in peace begin your personalized program.
The DNA combined with your thyroid function, blood sugar, health, food allergies and sensitivities, hormone levels, and vitamins amino acid balance form an interconnected wheel and each component should be addressed in order to achieve lifetime optimal weight balance.
A now famous study conducted by Stanford University looked at the long term effects of weight loss using a few different diets assigned at random. Results showed that some lost weight on one type of diet, such as low-fat, while others did not. The study then tested participants’ DNA for specific gene variations and found that those using the best diet for their DNA lost as much as 2 1/1 times more weight than those not using their best DNA diet.
“This genetic testing is a brand new field called nutrigenomics. The link between genes and nutrition,” says David Katz MD, nutrition expert and founder of the Yale Prevention Center. “It makes sense because our genes control hormone levels, enzyme levels – all the basic levels of metabolism. So how we metabolize food determines what happens to the nutrients and calories we take in.”
Each person’s DNA genes are built for a certain unique proportion of macronutrients for example: Client A is high fat, moderate protein, low carbohydrates; Client B is high carbohydrates, low protein, moderate fat; and Client C is built for high protein, moderate carbohydrate and low fat.
Your DNA profile also details your muscle type and what exercise regimens- repetitions, weight loads, sets, etc. which help you burn more fat in the most efficient fashion. It further shows whether your DNA gene type is consistent with slow twitch, fast twitch, or a balanced proportion of slow/ fast twitch muscle fibers. The combination of this information leads to the best approach of aerobic, endurance, sprints or interval training which is best for the unique you.
The DNA test also reveals what brain mutations may exist relating to sugar cravings, MTHFR, leptin, Gherlin, sleep cycles and more. In identifying where your brain, DNA – neurotransmitters may need support a custom design created with nutrition, supplement and strategies to empower your food choices, food portion control, cravings and meal satisfaction.