DNA kit to test best diet and exercise
jesselee10
Posts: 31 Member
I just purchased a DNA kit that will test what diet and exercise program is best for my body. Has anyone done one of these and did the results make a difference when followed?
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Replies
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@jesselee10 I have never heard of this option. Please update its value in your case over time. It sounds very interesting.19
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Only DNA test I did was for ancestry, never heard of this other 11
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i'll make a prediction that it'll say you need a calorie deficit... and doing some exercise would be good too...49
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TavistockToad wrote: »i'll make a prediction that it'll say you need a calorie deficit... and doing some exercise would be good too...
Oh, I'd predict it says something completely different. Why do I get the feeling this is just the next version of the blood-type diet?33 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »i'll make a prediction that it'll say you need a calorie deficit... and doing some exercise would be good too...
Oh, I'd predict it says something completely different. Why do I get the feeling this is just the next version of the blood-type diet?
well yeah it'll say OP cant eat carbs or cant eat fat and can only have chocolate on the second Tuesday of every other month... but what it'll mean is a calorie deficit...25 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »i'll make a prediction that it'll say you need a calorie deficit... and doing some exercise would be good too...
Oh, I'd predict it says something completely different. Why do I get the feeling this is just the next version of the blood-type diet?
Sadly yes.
The scientific evidence for this kind of testing is simply not yet available. One of my profs had the luck of getting access to the studies used as evidence for one of those providers. It was... thin to say the least. Problem is a lot is based on observational studies. The few RCTs used were based on very small samples with very clearly defined populations where links to other non-similar populations is difficult to draw. There were no reviews or meta-analyses.
In the long term, once the evidence is better, there might actually be something to it. Currently, the only proven effect is on the wallet.24 -
So, the answer is no one here knows... why not try it and see if it works.. just like all the attempts we all have made until we found what worked for us.45
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elisa123gal wrote: »So, the answer is no one here knows... why not try it and see if it works.. just like all the attempts we all have made until we found what worked for us.
No. The answer is: There is no scientific evidence. If it works, it's pure luck that the OP ended up in a deficit and lost weight.32 -
Not to mention, like ancestry etc, you are giving your DNA to a business to do with whatever they like, on someone's database to be sold to or used by anyone. And I am pretty sure the science of genetics isn't at the point where it can streamline you to this precise a degree.24
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elisa123gal wrote: »So, the answer is no one here knows... why not try it and see if it works.. just like all the attempts we all have made until we found what worked for us.
More like some company has created a scam of a product that lets them charge more for a generic diet and exercise plan. It gives them a false impression of effectiveness using people's lack of knowledge about the limits of what DNA testing can do.
OP, I hope you can return this and get a refund.23 -
I would say if you can get a refund do so as soon as possible.9
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ladyreva78 wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »i'll make a prediction that it'll say you need a calorie deficit... and doing some exercise would be good too...
Oh, I'd predict it says something completely different. Why do I get the feeling this is just the next version of the blood-type diet?
Sadly yes.
The scientific evidence for this kind of testing is simply not yet available. One of my profs had the luck of getting access to the studies used as evidence for one of those providers. It was... thin to say the least. Problem is a lot is based on observational studies. The few RCTs used were based on very small samples with very clearly defined populations where links to other non-similar populations is difficult to draw. There were no reviews or meta-analyses.
In the long term, once the evidence is better, there might actually be something to it. Currently, the only proven effect is on the wallet.
Exactly.
I used to work in one of these DNA labs. While the actual DNA is tested, like ladyreva78 says there is no value or science to back up DNA diets, exercise plans, or anything like what they are marketing.
It's marketing, nothing more. You'll get a DNA test done, which will list your allele markers. If you paid more than the basic amount for a DNA identity test, you were scammed. All the rest of the stuff they'll send you is generic info you could get off the internet without a DNA test and these, "instructions," if not just, "balanced diet with calorie deficit and exercise," are not backed up by science. It's simply a way for them to take your money. I wouldn't send in the swabs and I'd cancel the payment.
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jesselee10 wrote: »I just purchased a DNA kit that will test what diet and exercise program is best for my body. Has anyone done one of these and did the results make a difference when followed?
I have not and don’t think I ever will.
You might want to watch episode 3 of “A Users Guide to Cheating Death” on Netflix.
This episode they look into these type of tests. After watching it, I think they are definitely a waste of money.7 -
https://bestlifeonline.com/i-did-genetic-testing-for-a-personalized-diet-and-it-changed-my-life/
"Furthermore, I found that my weight gain moved in mysterious ways. I could go to Russia (where I’m from originally) and wolf down everything in my grandmother’s country house and slim down without even trying. At the same time, I could go to the Deep South in America and only eat salads and still gain 10 pounds. What gives?"
@jesselee10 you may want to read this author's experiences. I am starting to think weight management is more about biology than it is about physics (CICO) only.55 -
GaleHawkins wrote: »https://bestlifeonline.com/i-did-genetic-testing-for-a-personalized-diet-and-it-changed-my-life/
"Furthermore, I found that my weight gain moved in mysterious ways. I could go to Russia (where I’m from originally) and wolf down everything in my grandmother’s country house and slim down without even trying. At the same time, I could go to the Deep South in America and only eat salads and still gain 10 pounds. What gives?"
@jesselee10 you may want to read this author's experiences. I am starting to think weight management is more about biology than it is about physics (CICO) only.
Perception is different than reality. Also, many salads are well over 1000 calories, especially when you are putting heavy cream and oil based dressings on. Add in nuts, avocado, eggs, etc.
It also don't account for difference in activity levels.
OP, the best thing to do is play around with food combinations and macros to see what satiates you the most. In general protein and fiber > all. And adjust carbs and fats to personal liking. You should include some level of resistance training and cardio to work both your skeletal and aerobic health.22 -
I've been curious about what it could tell about physical makeup but I don't think it is really going to be of much assistance diet wise. I did 23 and Me years ago and that has a very few of those kinds of details, like it told me I am more likely to be a sprinter than an endurance type of athlete, which I'm honestly not sure is true but don't know how I am supposed to test that without a big old experiment I just don't have the bandwidth for. At some point if I have a spare $200 I will probably do a fitness one though, maybe after things develop a little more considering the above comment about studies.2
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GaleHawkins wrote: »https://bestlifeonline.com/i-did-genetic-testing-for-a-personalized-diet-and-it-changed-my-life/
"Furthermore, I found that my weight gain moved in mysterious ways. I could go to Russia (where I’m from originally) and wolf down everything in my grandmother’s country house and slim down without even trying. At the same time, I could go to the Deep South in America and only eat salads and still gain 10 pounds. What gives?"
@jesselee10 you may want to read this author's experiences. I am starting to think weight management is more about biology than it is about physics (CICO) only.
Biology can't alter the laws of physics.
Also, $800 for this "test" in that article.
Of course there is some biological connection to food sensitivities and probably for tendency to binge on certain foods like sugar and wheat. All you have to do is read these forums for a while to know that sugar, wheat, and compulsion go hand in hand for a lot of people.
So many people have wheat and dairy sensitivities so here's an idea: try cutting back on those things. Same with sugar, moderation moderation moderation. A test for yeast (Candida) overgrowth can be done at any doctor's office without a DNA lab. Then they give you a medication. NOT an $800 test. So crazy. Sounds like integrative medicine, i.e. not real medicine.
You can send my $800 to me at my Paypal.19 -
cmriverside wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »https://bestlifeonline.com/i-did-genetic-testing-for-a-personalized-diet-and-it-changed-my-life/
"Furthermore, I found that my weight gain moved in mysterious ways. I could go to Russia (where I’m from originally) and wolf down everything in my grandmother’s country house and slim down without even trying. At the same time, I could go to the Deep South in America and only eat salads and still gain 10 pounds. What gives?"
@jesselee10 you may want to read this author's experiences. I am starting to think weight management is more about biology than it is about physics (CICO) only.
Biology can't alter the laws of physics.
Also, $800 for this "test" in that article.
Of course there is some biological connection to food sensitivities and probably for tendency to binge on certain foods like sugar and wheat. All you have to do is read these forums for a while to know that sugar, wheat, and compulsion go hand in hand for a lot of people.
So many people have wheat and dairy sensitivities so here's an idea: try cutting back on those things. Same with sugar, moderation moderation moderation. A test for yeast (Candida) overgrowth can be done at any doctor's office without a DNA lab. Then they give you a medication. NOT an $800 test. So crazy. Sounds like integrative medicine, i.e. not real medicine.
You can send my $800 to me at my Paypal.
Your advice was more helpful than the $800 DNA test. You should charge at least $950.18 -
@jesselee10
If a DNA diet worked, your doctor would take a DNA sample, after getting the results and go over the results with you or have you visit a registered dietitian.
There is a reason why doctors don't tell you to do these types of diets.
Get your money back.10 -
OP, any "diet"/exercise program that gives u results uses the same principle, calories in less than calories out, or CICO/a calorie deficit.
If I eat for my blood type with a calorie deficit, do low carb/keto with a deficit, eat "clean" with a deficit, eat raw vegan with a deficit, or eat only twinkies with a deficit, I will lose weight.
If I was maintaining without exercise and added exercise without changing my calorie intake, I'd lose weight. Also, if I maintained my same activity level (even if it involved sitting on the couch and watching TV all day) but decreased my intake to achieve a deficit, I would lose weight.
So, if you do whatever your DNA kit says for u to do and it works, it proves nothing, other than you were in a calorie deficit. I supppse you could still call it a success, but you could have that success without paying for the DNA kit.
I think eating what they recommend but with a deliberately high calorie surplus would be more "proof" bc then you would see that even "healthy" foods in excess/calorie surplus cause weight gain.4 -
jesselee10 wrote: »I just purchased a DNA kit that will test what diet and exercise program is best for my body. Has anyone done one of these and did the results make a difference when followed?
I think that a test like this can't really tell you what diet and exercise are best for your body at this time. I think they are just taking money from you and making common sense suggestions that could work for most people.
You could figure out on your own through experience that you feel good eating a certain way or doing certain exercises over others. Or hire a dietician or a personal trainer to work with you on developing plans that suit you and your individual goals.
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I get a kick out of people who go in for these DNA tests. Would you willingly submit your DNA to a database operated by the government? The answer is almost universally HELL NO. But you're willing to pay a private corporation to take your DNA in exchange for some largely trivial information in return?? Did you read the agreement saying what will happen to your DNA when you get your trivial answers? Do you know what that private corporation can now do with your DNA?
It's like this but with DNA
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@jesselee10jesselee10
If getting the test done motivates you and you can afford it, then go for it and have fun with it. This is journey and if this makes you take a different view of weight loss, and you are not expecting miracles to replace consistency and tenacity, then that is okay. You obliviously have doubts or would not have posted, so just set your expectations accordingly.
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born_of_fire74 wrote: »I get a kick out of people who go in for these DNA tests. Would you willingly submit your DNA to a database operated by the government? The answer is almost universally HELL NO. But you're willing to pay a private corporation to take your DNA in exchange for some largely trivial information in return?? Did you read the agreement saying what will happen to your DNA when you get your trivial answers? Do you know what that private corporation can now do with your DNA?
It's like this but with DNA
OMG... LOVE this!
ETA: also, the private companies monetizing personal data will turn it over to the govt when subpoenaed, so worst of both.7 -
After working in the industry, I think DNA testing across wide swaths of people will end up being a very good thing in time, but even the Ancestry ones won't be of much help to most people because what they *think* they will find out is really not what the results will disclose. Ancestry is either extremely micro (as in, immediate family) or extremely macro (as in, 100,000 years ago your ancestors lived here - pointing to an entire continent.) Not really what people think they will get at all.
In time these shared databases with computer number-crunching will be really helpful for disease prevention and for diagnostic purposes.
We're not there yet. Not enough population data has been collected.
I did a test, just a general ID test because why not? I don't think my insurance company is going to use it against me. My tin foil hat is on someone else's head. If I get a disease, they still have to pay. It is only a problem if/when there are health insurance exclusion clauses (pre-existing conditions exclusions) - which I don't think are legal right now. If I have a marker I may or may not get that illness before I fall off a cliff hiking.6 -
A DNA test that tells you what exercise is right for your body? Say what now?5
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A DNA test that tells you what exercise is right for your body? Say what now?
Somatotypes go high tech. Sounds like it's just as reliable.
OP, can you get your money back? There is lots of great information here on losing weight and working towards the body you would like. The best part... it's free. Start here:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p110 -
born_of_fire74 wrote: »I get a kick out of people who go in for these DNA tests. Would you willingly submit your DNA to a database operated by the government? The answer is almost universally HELL NO. But you're willing to pay a private corporation to take your DNA in exchange for some largely trivial information in return?? Did you read the agreement saying what will happen to your DNA when you get your trivial answers? Do you know what that private corporation can now do with your DNA?
It's like this but with DNA
OMG... LOVE this!
ETA: also, the private companies monetizing personal data will turn it over to the govt when subpoenaed, so worst of both.
* thumbs up* You see what I'm laying down...
Google is a fine example of how a private corporation will give up your information with only the slightest bit of pressure...information that you would never willingly give to the government but don't even think twice about shoveling at private corporations.5 -
cmriverside wrote: »After working in the industry, I think DNA testing across wide swaths of people will end up being a very good thing in time, but even the Ancestry ones won't be of much help to most people because what they *think* they will find out is really not what the results will disclose. Ancestry is either extremely micro (as in, immediate family) or extremely macro (as in, 100,000 years ago your ancestors lived here - pointing to an entire continent.) Not really what people think they will get at all.
In time these shared databases with computer number-crunching will be really helpful for disease prevention and for diagnostic purposes.
We're not there yet. Not enough population data has been collected.
I did a test, just a general ID test because why not? I don't think my insurance company is going to use it against me. My tin foil hat is on someone else's head. If I get a disease, they still have to pay. It is only a problem if/when there are health insurance exclusion clauses (pre-existing conditions exclusions) - which I don't think are legal right now. If I have a marker I may or may not get that illness before I fall off a cliff hiking.
You touch on my thoughts. I have little issue with a DNA testing company selling my info anonymously for research (if they ask my permission first). I have HUGE issues with all the crap insurance companies pass around to deny medical coverage or rate your policies.3 -
MikePfirrman wrote: »cmriverside wrote: »After working in the industry, I think DNA testing across wide swaths of people will end up being a very good thing in time, but even the Ancestry ones won't be of much help to most people because what they *think* they will find out is really not what the results will disclose. Ancestry is either extremely micro (as in, immediate family) or extremely macro (as in, 100,000 years ago your ancestors lived here - pointing to an entire continent.) Not really what people think they will get at all.
In time these shared databases with computer number-crunching will be really helpful for disease prevention and for diagnostic purposes.
We're not there yet. Not enough population data has been collected.
I did a test, just a general ID test because why not? I don't think my insurance company is going to use it against me. My tin foil hat is on someone else's head. If I get a disease, they still have to pay. It is only a problem if/when there are health insurance exclusion clauses (pre-existing conditions exclusions) - which I don't think are legal right now. If I have a marker I may or may not get that illness before I fall off a cliff hiking.
You touch on my thoughts. I have little issue with a DNA testing company selling my info anonymously for research (if they ask my permission first). I have HUGE issues with all the crap insurance companies pass around to deny medical coverage or rate your policies.
Well, and it's not like you have to show ID to have a test done. If you are the Conspiracy Theory type, just use a fake name.
We did tests on Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Andrea Doria, John and Jane Doe, Dracula. They only have what you give them.
And no, Mickey Mouse and Mighty Mouse are not biologically related.
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