Can a DIY DNA test get me into shape?
THE DIET MYTHS YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO BELIEVE
THEY are the latest and most medically advanced way to get into shape: do-it-yourself DNA tests which promise give you a bespoke diet and exercise regime based on your genetic make-up.
In the news last week was MyDNA, a £59 kit that claims to check for seven genes linked to body type, the ability to lose and gain weight, fat storage and the risk of high cholesterol.
If you wonder why, despite your best efforts to exercise and eat properly, you fail to see any lasting change – these tests could have the answer.
According to advocates, it could be because we’re not eating or working out to suit our genetic type. Which is where the tests come in.
MyDNA, sold by Lloyds Pharmacy, is one of several ‘science-based’ offerings, including FitnessGenes, DNAFit and IDDNA, which I think would be great – if they actually did what they said on the tin. But, of course, I am sceptical.
A DIET WRITTEN IN MY GENES?
WITH all these tests you give a DNA sample by spitting into a test tube provided. This is sent off to a lab where it is analysed to see if it shows up genes known to be involved in how we are programmed to respond to calorie intake, nutrient breakdown and aerobic capacity, among other parameters.
However, there is a snag, according to geneticist and obesity expert Dr Giles Yeo. He says: ‘What leads you to a certain weight is complex and is an interaction of genes and lifestyle factors which these tests can’t possibly predict.
‘Researchers are not able to make predictions about what a specific gene means yet because the science isn’t complete.
‘Some genes may be related to specific traits. But that can’t be extended to everyone as there are endless contributing factors that are difficult to measure.
‘A picture of your parents will give you a much more accurate prediction of your diet and exercise outcomes.’ PUTTING IT TO THE TEST I USED FitnessGenes, which costs £129 and claims to test for more than 40 genes linked to diet and exercise.
FitnessGenes claim their four programmes targeting specific goals (including musclebuilding and fat-loss) are updated regularly according to emerging research, providing ‘the most cutting edge science, diet and training advice’.
Despite Dr Yeo’s reservations, genetic profiling has been used by elite athletes who claim to have found DNA tests useful as part of their training regimes.
Once my results are in, I’ll put the recommendations to the test. So watch this space…