humanpeople DNA health test

The gene most strongly linked to weight affects satiety- the feeling of fullness after eating.

The MC4R gene encodes the melanocortin 4 receptor, which regulates appetite and energy homeostasis in the body. Variants in the MC4R gene can affect how the body senses hunger and fullness, potentially leading to increased food intake and weight gain.

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the intestines that helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic mimic the effects of the natural hormone, leading to improved blood sugar control and weight loss.

The connection between MC4R and GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic lies in their combined effects on appetite regulation:

• MC4R and Appetite: Mutations or variants in the MC4R gene can disrupt the normal signalling of the melanocortin 4 receptor, leading to increased appetite and reduced feelings of fullness after eating. This can result in increased caloric intake and, over time, weight gain.
• Ozempic and Appetite: Ozempic, by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, helps reduce appetite. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with MC4R variants that predispose them to increased appetite, as the drug can help counteract this genetic tendency.
• Therapeutic Implications: For individuals with weight-related to MC4R mutations, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic offer a targeted treatment approach. By addressing the underlying genetic predisposition to increased appetite, these medications can help such individuals achieve better weight loss outcomes.

In summary, while the MC4R gene can predispose individuals to increased appetite and weight gain, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic can help counteract these effects by reducing appetite and promoting weight loss.

Ever wondered why exercise works for some people and not others when it comes to weight? Well, this gene is the likely culprit. It’s a great example of how yesterdays survival genes can be troublesome in the Western World.

The ADRB2 gene encodes the beta-2 adrenergic receptor, primarily found in the lungs and fat cells, playing a pivotal role in the body's response to catecholamines like adrenaline. Variants in this gene can influence the body's efficiency in mobilizing and burning fat, especially during and post-exercise. Some individuals with specific ADRB2 variants may experience resistance to weight loss from standard aerobic exercises.

For those with these ADRB2 variants, tailored exercise approaches such as High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and strength training can be more effective. HIIT involves short, intense activity bursts, promoting significant fat release and an increased post-exercise metabolic rate. On the dietary front, consuming low glycemic index foods, healthy fats like omega-3s, and a protein-rich diet can support fat mobilisation and metabolic health.

Supplementation can further aid those with ADRB2 variants in their weight management journey. Green tea extract, rich in catechins, can boost metabolism and fat oxidation. L-Carnitine aids in transporting fatty acids for energy production, while omega-3 supplements and caffeine can regulate fat metabolism genes and increase metabolic rate, respectively.

Benefit: Knowing which variant you have can help to tailor both your exercise regime and diet.

This gene is possibly one of the best-studied weight genes.

It is an appetite controller - the FTO gene with a significant influence on our body's weight management. Located in the hypothalamus, the brain's command centre for hunger and satiety, the FTO gene plays a pivotal role in determining how full we feel after eating and how intense our desire to eat is.

It doesn't work alone. It interacts with hunger hormones like leptin, ghrelin, and the thyroid-stimulating hormone, orchestrating a symphony that dictates our energy balance and resting energy expenditure. These interactions influence our feelings of hunger and fullness, making some of us feel satiated after a meal while others still feel hunger pangs.

We still fully understand how it works, but the evidence is clear that it has a significant impact. For those with specific FTO variants, recognising its impact on appetite can help tailor a diet that aligns with their unique genetic makeup, optimising satiety and supporting weight management.

The FTO gene, often dubbed the "obesity gene," has been extensively researched for its association with body weight and dietary responses. 

For those with the FTO "obesity gene," a diet rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while limiting simple carbohydrates, can aid in weight management. Mindful eating, focusing on recognising hunger and fullness cues, is crucial. Supplement-wise, omega-3s for inflammation reduction, green tea extract for a metabolism boost, vitamin D to potentially counteract FTO-related obesity tendencies, probiotics for gut health, and fibre supplements like psyllium husk to enhance satiety.

LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein, acts as the body's delivery truck, transporting cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats to tissues that need them. However, when its levels rise too high, LDL gains the moniker "bad cholesterol" for a reason: it can deposit fats within artery walls. These deposits, over time, can narrow and harden the arteries, setting the stage for atherosclerosis and elevating the risk of heart disease. Monitoring and managing LDL levels is essential to ensure these internal roadways stay clear and heart health remains optimal.

Top tip: If LDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels are both raised it is time to take action. This is often referred to as a pre-diabetes state. If your levels are high there are lots of simple and enjoyable lifestyle changes you can make before considering medication. Intermittent fasting can be particularly helpful.

The TCF7L2 gene dubbed the "Insulin Influencer," is pivotal in metabolic health and weight management. It plays a dual role in modulating insulin secretion and resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes.

It acts as a key player in glucose metabolism. Genetic variations in this gene can influence how individuals respond to different diets, making it important for your personalised nutrition approach.

For those looking to support their TCF7L2 gene function, certain foods and supplements can be beneficial:

• Whole Grains: Foods like quinoa, barley, and oats can help in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
• Leafy Greens: Vegetables such as spinach and kale are rich in magnesium, which can aid in improving insulin sensitivity.
• Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help in reducing inflammation and improve metabolic health.
• Supplements:
• Chromium: Known to enhance the action of insulin.
• Cinnamon: Can help in regulating blood sugar levels.
• Alpha-lipoic acid: Improves insulin sensitivity and reduces symptoms of nerve damage in people with diabetes.

The APOA2 gene is like a watchdog for the fats we eat. Think of it as a sensor that reacts specifically to saturated fats, the kind found in butter, cheese, and red meat. For some people, due to their version of the APOA2 gene, eating too much saturated fat can lead to weight gain, especially around the waist. It's as if their body's alarm system goes off when there's too much saturated fat, making it harder for them to maintain a healthy weight. So, for these individuals, it's especially important to be mindful of saturated fat intake and opt for healthier fat choices like fish, nuts, and olive oil.

The PPARG gene is akin to a traffic controller for fats in our body. It plays a pivotal role in how our cells handle and store fats, especially in fat cells themselves. Some versions of the PPARG gene can make people more efficient at storing fat, which sounds good, but it can also mean they're more prone to weight gain, especially if their diet is high in unhealthy fats. On the flip side, this gene also influences how our body responds to certain types of diets and medications. For those with certain PPARG variants, a balanced diet with healthy fats, like omega-3s from fish and monounsaturated fats from olive oil, can be particularly beneficial.