Advantages of Using Genetic Testing for Weight Management

Genetic testing can help you find long-lost ancestors. Law enforcement agencies use DNA analysis to solve crimes. In the fitness world, there is another purpose behind doing a genetic test. It is to better understand how to help clients reach their weight loss goals.

Genetics, Body Weight, and Body Composition

One of the biggest challenges fitness trainers face is getting clients to make lasting, positive lifestyle changes. They continuously reinforce the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. This push is backed by research that continues to highlight lifestyle as a major contributing factor to obesity.

Certainly, lifestyle does matter when it comes to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. But a person's genetic makeup plays a role too. Weight-related tendencies appear to run in families. Science has confirmed it.

For example, one study notes that a person's risk of obesity increases five-fold if they are related to an extremely obese woman. Another study reports that grandparents, parents, and children tend to have a similar body mass index (BMI).

One could argue that this correlation is due to certain habits being passed from one generation to the next. Maybe they use the same high-fat cooking methods or snack while watching TV. Many researchers agree that this is a factor to consider. Others say that the evidence supporting genetics is simply too strong to ignore.

Genetic Data Related to Weight Control

Our DNA determines our sex, height, hair color, eye color, and more. It only makes sense that we would also have genetic markers that contribute to our weight.

Of particular interest is the FTO gene. Studies have found that people with this gene often have a higher level of body fat. They are also more likely to be obese. It's thought that the FTO gene contributes to these effects by the way it impacts food preferences and intake.

Other pieces of research have connected appetite control with genetics. This has been termed the "behavioral susceptibility theory." It says that people with certain appetitive phenotypes may have a bigger appetite. They also find it harder to tell when they've eaten enough.

Some genes contribute to weight loss or weight gain by impacting our response to exercise. Two such genes are AMPD1 and APOE. Each of these appears to play a role in how we respond to moderate-to-high intensity exercise. The BDNF gene impacts our motivation to exercise. Our genes can impact every aspect of our fitness journey.

What Are the Advantages of Using Genetic Testing for Weight Management?

You may be wondering why you would ask a client to do a DNA test. You can't change their genes, after all. Yet, understanding their genetic makeup does offer several advantages.

• You can create a more effective diet. Certain genes impact how we use protein, fat, and carbs. Knowing this information helps you come up with a menu that works with their genetic profile. For example, if a client has a "low" carbohydrate utilization genotype, you would know that they will likely get better weight loss results by following a low-carb diet. A client with a "low" fat genotype would benefit from reducing their fat intake.

• More effective physical activity program. Genetic testing also enables you to create a fitness program that provides the best results possible. It tells you how they are likely to respond to cardio and strength training. You have the data needed to develop workouts based on their DNA. You'd know what intensity to suggest, how often they should exercise, and how long to make the sessions.

• Reduced obstacles. Another major advantage of looking at a client's DNA is that it helps reduce the obstacles they face. They will know how to work with their bodies versus working against them. This helps them more successfully achieve weight loss. In the long-term, it can also help them avoid weight gain.

• Increased motivation. What happens when a client doesn't get results? Their motivation decreases. If it goes on too long, they give up completely. Creating a program around their DNA can provide better results. By seeing progress, they're more inclined to keep going. They see the value in making changes related to exercise and nutrition.

• Better weight maintenance results. One study found that people following a program based on their genetic makeup sustain longer-lasting results. In this case, 73% of the participants sustained weight loss after 300 days. Only 32% of the control group did the same. The DNA group also lowered their blood glucose level.

The Genetic Screening Process

Some types of genetic testing require bloodwork. This includes many medical tests, such as those used to determine one's cancer risk. For instance, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations have been connected with breast cancer. Insulin sensitivity can be tested by looking for the NAT2 gene.

Genetic testing in fitness is much simpler. Instead of looking at the blood, it looks at DNA in a person's saliva. This makes it possible for clients to get a genetic test without a visit to a doctor's office or lab.

The genetic screening process begins with having them run a swab around the inside of their mouth for roughly 60 seconds. The swab is then placed in a sterilized tube that is sent to a facility for DNA analysis. Two to three weeks later, results are received. These results are then used to create a sound nutrition and exercise program.

Interpreting a Client's DNA Results

Each genetic testing lab is different. ISSA members completing their DNA fitness certification can connect with Genetic Direction. This lab provides genetic data regarding a client's:

• Weight loss ability

• Fat loss response to cardio

• Body composition response to strength training

• Utilization of protein, fat, and carbs

• Utilization of select vitamins and minerals

• Intrinsic motivation to exercise

• Impulse control and taste preference

• Injury risk

• Systemic inflammation tendencies

Together, all of this information gives you a better idea of how their body will respond to diet and exercise. It provides insight into the type of program that will offer the best results.

If the genetic test reveals a specific genotype, you can help your clients maximize its effects or minimize its risk. Genetic testing also helps them realize that, while their actions are important, if they are struggling, their genetics may be to blame. It takes some of the pressure off of them as they begin to understand that many factors can affect their ability to lose weight or keep the weight off.

How to Incorporate Genetic Testing into Your Fitness Offerings

One of the key things to remember when adding genetic testing to your service offerings is that this is only one piece of the puzzle. Just because a client may have a higher genetic risk for some factors doesn't mean that they get a pass. Obesity isn't solely a genetic disease. Lifestyle still plays a huge role.

For this reason, clients must understand that a specific genetic variation only predisposes them to respond one way or another. It doesn't conclusively or definitively determine the outcome. This is where making healthy choices comes into play. By focusing on nutrition and exercise, they can use their genetic makeup in a positive way.

If you aren't certified to offer genetic testing, you can work with a local doctor or genetic counselor to provide this service. They can collect and supply the genetic information needed to create a more personalized diet and exercise program for your clients.

Another option is to collect your client's DNA data yourself. Do the oral swab at your first fitness session. Then use the genetic test result to create your client's program. Spend a follow-up session going through their results with them. Talk to them about their DNA and how it impacts their body's response. Give them a few tips for working with their DNA to obtain their weight goals.

The ISSA's DNA-Based Fitness Coach Certification program helps you understand a client's genetic predisposition to weight loss and weight gain. These genetic factors can be used to create a more personalized fitness program. It also offers trainers another stream of income when offered as a stand-alone service.