What is a Genetically Inspired Diet? How Your DNA Plays a Role in Nutrition and Weight Loss

{By: Dr Shrinidhi Nathany, Consultant Molecular Haematology & Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram}

There’s been a lot of talk lately about modifiable lifestyle factors that help you not only live healthier but also longer. One important factor is our diet. Doctors are often asked the question, “Did I get this disease because of my eating habits?” Well, to some extent, the answer may be yes.

Our DNA contains genes that determine how you metabolize certain foods and how it regulates your appetite, inflammation and the processes around it. So if you have a DNA signature that says you can eat cake: then remember you can “eat the cake and have it too”, but if it says you can’t, then if you eat it, it’s going to work against your body’s immune system and cellular processes. There are tests that detect these mutations called single nucleotide polymorphisms in your DNA through a simple blood test and generate a report that provides a comprehensive report on a potential weight loss or gain program in addition to sensitive foods.

The system works on the basis of a complete genome and epigenome test, which is available in India and abroad. However, it costs around $1,000. It is supported by an artificial intelligence system that organizes the data and compares the patient results with those in its database. Based on this, the report is generated that provides information on sensitive foods, metabolic profile, need to lose or gain weight, appetite regulation, inflammatory processes and metabolism at the cellular level.

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The reason why many athletes and sportsmen opt for this:

Metabolism is the key to good physical health, but also mental, emotional and intellectual health. Eating the right foods has always been linked to passing an exam. Our parents always fed us up to the nose before an exam, without knowing if it depressed our mental faculties or alerted them. Now, thanks to a genetically determined food menu, you can better understand what will make us fail the most important medical school entrance test!

How reliable is it?

Well, the answer to that question is that at the end of the day, it’s a machine! You can love it or hate it, you’re going to use it anyway. In the next decade, I foresee an increased adoption of this type of testing due to the growing healthcare revolution, even in India. These tests claim to have an accuracy of over 90%, but until we have scientific evidence in the literature, it’s difficult to rely on them completely as a healthcare professional.

Would this drug be prescribed to all patients?

Well, no, I will not endorse this test, even though it will give the patient an option. The problem here is that the report generated by AI may not be personalized and validated. In the opinion of doctors, for this to translate clinically, it needs rigorous validation and accreditation by regulatory authorities. So listen to what your genes say, they decide what you can and cannot eat!

(Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.)

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