Study: Weight Loss May be Linked to Genetics

03/4/2010

An individual's genes may determine which diet is best for them - and how they can fight obesity, according to a recent study by Stanford University.

The study showed that women with a genetic predisposition to benefit from a particular diet lost 5.3 percent of their body weight. This compares to the 2.3 percent of body weight lost by individuals who did not follow a diet suitable for their genotype.

Differences were most pronounced among women who followed plans low in carbohydrates, like the Atkins diet, or low in fat. Individuals with the genetic predisposition to benefit from these plans lost 6.8 percent of their body weights, while those without the predisposition lost 1.4 percent. Massachusetts-based Interleukin Genetics developed the test.

"The potential of using genetic information to achieve this magnitude of weight loss without pharmaceutical intervention would be important in helping to solve the pervasive problem of excessive weight in our society," said Christopher Gardner, director of nutrition studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center.

Health risks associated with obesity include asthma, sleep apnea, stroke, heart disease and more. These may result in more insurance claims, causing individuals who are overweight or obese to face higher health insurance premiums.

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