If you’re aiming for weight loss, all you have to do is eat less and exercise more, right? Maybe not. For many people who have difficulty losing weight and keeping it off, it’s much more than just a simple numerical equation involving calories consumed and calories burned. Until recently, it just wasn’t known why some people could easily lose weight and others struggled valiantly, doing all the right things, with little success.  But now we know – to a large degree, your ability to lose weight depends on your DNA.

How DNA results can help with weight loss

Your genetic profile may be just the weapon you need to achieve and sustain weight-loss success. Once you understand why you are genetically predisposed in certain ways to gain weight and hang on to it, you’ll know exactly what to do to lose that weight and keep it off. Knowing how your DNA works in terms of managing energy (calories) will allow you to formulate a plan that actually works for your specific situation.

Working hard for months to lose weight and then regaining it all – it happens to many people, and it’s frustrating and depressing. Your DNA results can help you understand why this happens and keep it from happening again. In fact, up to 70% of your susceptibility to obesity is genetically linked, and a DNA test will pinpoint how this may be working against your best weight-loss efforts.

DNA can tell you what to eat for weight loss

As you may know, the number-one factor in losing weight is your diet. But there’s a lot more to it than simply reducing your caloric intake. You need to know which foods work for or against you, and how your individual DNA influences your reactions to different foods.

Fats – good and bad

Just a few years ago, all fats were considered evil, but no longer. Now, nutritional experts understand that you need the good fats. The difficulty, though, is that certain fats may be good for some people and not for others.

Generally speaking, everyone should avoid trans fats and get plenty of omega-3s and monounsaturated fats. These, though, are just general guidelines that don’t apply to specific situations because your body may respond differently to certain fats. You may be genetically predisposed to gain weight from saturated fats such as those in yogurt and cheese. Even unsaturated fats like omega-3s and omega-6s may affect you adversely. Your genetics may be such that you already have high levels of omega-6 fats.

Vitamins and supplements

Any good weight-loss program will include dietary supplements, but just using a shotgun approach by taking a generic multivitamin isn’t usually the best way. Your DNA will have a lot to say about which supplements are right for you.

A DNA test will help you determine the supplements you need to maximize your health and promote weight loss. According to your specific DNA type, for example, your body may have a reduced ability to absorb certain nutrients from the foods you eat, so it may be necessary to obtain these from supplements.

Cravings control

Another problem with lasting weight loss for many people is cravings. Despite all the friendly advice to exercise a little will power, it’s not always that easy. And your genetic make-up could have a lot to do with that.

Your DNA type may in fact determine in large part how your hunger “feels.” Your DNA may actually determine how full you feel after you’ve eaten enough or whether you have a so-called sweet tooth. Just understanding these factors can help you formulate a plan of attack and deal more effectively with cravings and feelings of hunger.

The best exercises for weight loss according to your DNA

Just going to the gym and sweating a lot more won’t do the trick for some people. According to your DNA type, some exercises may promote weight loss, and some may not. So you need to figure out which exercises will yield the maximum weight-loss benefits for you.

A genetic profile can help reveal how your body responds to exercise in general and specific exercises in particular – for example, endurance training vs. weight training. While all exercise is beneficial, if weight loss is your goal, your DNA test can help you figure out the best way to lose body fat through exercise. Further, if you know you’re doing the right exercises for you and that you will get results, it becomes much easier to stay motivated and see it through until you reach your goals.

Aligning your weight-loss goals With DNA demands

Successful weight loss, then, may require more than just eating less and exercising more – you may have to address certain genetic variants that influence how your body works. At Quest Weight Loss, we’ve got you covered. Our personalized weight-loss plans focus on safety, efficacy, and health benefits, and are designed to address the underlying health factors that can make weight loss difficult.

Our customized program considers the following factors in designing your weight-loss plan:

• Goals and expectations
• Genetic predispositions
• Medical and family history
• Weight-change history
• Co-factors such as stress levels and sleep patterns
• Blood panel and EKG results

If you’re ready to take the first step towards achieving lasting weight loss and better health, contact us today for a free consultation!