Dietary genetic testing uses SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) to examine mutations in genes related to an individual’s constitution and metabolism. This testing facilitates understanding of individual responses to the effects of food intake and exercise, and provides guidelines for personalized dieting and eating habits. Below are some examples of SNPs and associated genes that are commonly examined.
1. Obesity-related genes
- FTO Gene: Certain SNPs in the FTO gene have been found to be associated with obesity risk. Mutations in this gene tend to increase body fat and make people more prone to obesity.
- MC4R gene: This gene is involved in regulating satiety and appetite, and mutations in this gene tend to increase appetite and suppress energy expenditure.
2. Genes Related To Fat Metabolism
- PPARG gene: This gene is involved in fat cell production and fat metabolism. SNPs in this gene affect lipid metabolism and are involved in fat accumulation and insulin sensitivity. Mutations can lead to increased fat accumulation and weight gain.
- FABP2 gene: This gene encodes a fatty acid binding protein and is involved in fatty acid absorption and metabolism. Mutations increase fat absorption and tend to cause accumulation of dietary fat.
3. Genes Related To Sugar Metabolism
- TCF7L2 gene: Deeply involved in glucose metabolism. This slows down the metabolism of sugar and may lead to a tendency to accumulate fat.
- ADRB3 gene: This gene is involved in the sympathetic nervous system and fat cells and affects fat burning. Mutations tend to suppress energy expenditure and lead to weight gain.
4. Genes Involved in Energy Consumption and Basal Metabolism
- UCP1 gene: UCP1 is a gene involved in energy expenditure in brown fat cells and is responsible for promoting fat burning. Mutations have been shown to reduce basal metabolism and increase fat accumulation.
5. Genes Involved in Muscle Mass and Exercise Effectiveness
- ACTN3 gene: This gene is involved in muscle growth and exercise adaptation, and affects muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Mutations may cause differences in how easily muscles are built up and the effects of exercise.
In genetic testing related to diet and obesity, specific SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) can be examined to identify constitutional and metabolic tendencies. Below are some typical SNPs associated with diet, obesity risk, and metabolism.
1. FTO gene (rs9939609)
- SNP：rs9939609
- Effect: The rs9939609 mutation (A allele) in the FTO gene is associated with an increased risk of obesity. The mutation tends to increase appetite and caloric intake. It may be more difficult to maintain weight loss on a diet.
2. MC4R gene (rs17782313)）
- SNP：rs17782313
- Effect: This gene is involved in regulating satiety and appetite, and mutations in the C allele increase appetite and decrease energy expenditure, which can lead to increased body fat.
3. PPARG gene（rs1801282）
- SNP：rs1801282
- Effect: The PPARG gene is involved in fat cell production and lipid metabolism, and the presence of C alleles tends to improve insulin resistance and reduce fat accumulation. This makes it easier to improve lipid metabolism in diets.
4. FABP2 gene（rs1799883）
- SNP：rs1799883
- Effect: FABP2 is involved in fatty acid binding proteins and affects lipid metabolism; mutations in the A allele may promote lipid absorption and increase the amount of neutral fat in the blood, which may lead to the accumulation of body fat.
5. TCF7L2 gene（rs7903146）
- SNP：rs7903146
- Impact: This SNP is believed to affect sugar metabolism, and the presence of T allele makes insulin secretion more likely to decrease and blood glucose levels more likely to increase. It is considered a constitutional condition that requires caution with sugar intake.
6. ADRB3 gene（rs4994）
- SNP：rs4994
- Effect: The ADRB3 gene encodes a β3 adrenergic receptor in fat cells and is involved in energy expenditure and fat burning. the presence of T alleles suppresses energy expenditure and makes the body more likely to store fat and gain weight.
7. UCP1 gene（rs1800592）
- SNP：rs1800592
- Effect: The UCP1 gene is associated with energy expenditure and promotes heat production in fat cells; the presence of A alleles reduces basal metabolism and increases fat accumulation.
8. ACTN3 gene（rs1815739）
- SNP：rs1815739
- Effect: This gene is involved in muscle structure and influences sports aptitude; the presence of C allele makes it easier to increase muscle strength and instantaneous force, and training is more effective.
Conclusion
The SNPs examined in the diet gene test target genetic variants related to fat metabolism, sugar processing, energy expenditure, and appetite control. Based on this information, individualized advice on diet and exercise can be provided to support a more effective and effortless weight loss program. However, genetic predisposition is only one factor, and lifestyle improvements are also important.
