According to surveys, 95 percent of people who have lost weight through dieting have gained it all back within a few years and 45 percent have gained even more weight. And while consumers are continually bombarded with the newest in fad diets, many who try them are inevitably disappointed when they just don’t work.
According to a study put forth by Stanford University, one single diet or exercise program may not work for every person. Instead, the key to weight loss for each individual may lie in their genes.
The Stanford study assigned diets at random to participants of the study. Results showed that some individuals lost weight effectively on one type of diet, such as a low fat diet, while others did not. Researchers then tested the participants’ DNA for three types of genetic variations. The study found that individuals who matched a specific diet type to a specific genetic variation lost weight more effectively.
"It makes sense because our genes control hormone levels, enzyme levels - all the basic levels of metabolism. And how we metabolize food determines what happens to the nutrients and calories we take in,” said David Katz, MD, nutrition expert and founder of the Yale Prevention Center.
The three diet types linked to the gene variation in the study were:
Low fat: People who fall into this category should consume no more than 77 grams of fat daily. Their diet should be made up of 70 percent carbohydrates, 15 percent protein and 15 percent fat.
Low carbohydrate: Persons who need to follow a low carbohydrate diet to lose weight should eat between 20 and 60 carbohydrates daily. Their diet should consist of only 30 percent carbohydrates, 40 percent fat and 30 percent protein.
Balanced diet: Persons who follow a balanced diet should eat a diet of around 50 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent fat and 20 percent protein.
Although several companies now offer genetic testing for weight loss, it is possible to guess at your genetic type by following a few clues. If you have a history of heart disease in your family, high cholesterol or low energy, you may be a candidate for a low fat diet.
People who develop weight around the midsection, high blood pressure or high triglycerides may need a diet low in carbohydrates. Those who need a balanced diet may have a family history of diabetes or heart disease. Individuals with Mediterranean ethnicity often require a balanced diet. People who suffer from gastrointestinal problems including indigestion or constipation may also be candidates for a balanced diet.
Dr. Katz adds that all these diets work. The testing just indicates which diets work better than others for a particular person. “We already know the tools that can protect us from so many diseases - heart disease, cancer, diabetes. It's eating more fruits and vegetable and less processed foods, and regular exercise."
Get started with DNA-Directed weight loss today.