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Specially adapted to our individual genes diet programs?
How does a successful diet work? Why are there diets that work in some people and not in others? Would the best diet be tailored to each individual person? What role do our genes play in weight loss? These questions were now being explored by researchers from the University of Texas in their study.
A successful diet program usually involves a personal consultation that specifically addresses the issues and dietary habits of the individual. In the future, however, diets could go much further. Individual weight management plans could incorporate the genes of those affected to be perfectly attuned to the body for the best possible results.
Future dieters will also be more aware of genetic factors. (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com) Genetics can help revolutionize diets
Diet plans could become much more effective in the near future. It's likely that in about five years, nutritional plans will include factors such as genetics, said Professor Molly Bray of the University of Texas. Experts predict that soon, many overweight people can be helped to achieve a healthier weight. The data subject's genetic data would then be used to develop perfectly tailored diet and exercise plans. The biggest challenge for realizing this dream is the need to develop advanced analysis tools. These are urgently needed to understand the relationship between genetics, behavior and weight in the context of disease, said the American experts in their study.
Computer calculates out of environmental factors and genes perfect diet plan
An article appearing in the January issue of Obesity summarizes what scientists currently know about factors that affect weight loss and weight gain. The report shows how genetic information and collected data from non-invasive, wearable devices may soon be included in research. Thus, the treatment of obese people could be revolutionized. In the future, it will be possible for patients to submit saliva samples for gene sequencing. In addition, automated sensors could collect information about factors such as the environment, diet, activity and stress. Then, a computer algorithm would evaluate that information and help patients with specific recommendations reach their target weight.
Tools needed to evaluate collected data masses
The decreasing costs of genome sequencing and portable monitors that help track the behavior and environmental impact of individuals, allow researchers to collect all the data they need for their basic research on precision weight loss. According to the current study, the real challenge for researchers now is to develop the tools to analyze the collected data. At the moment, we are able to help people successfully lose weight, but unfortunately only in the short term, said Prof. Bray. But if we look at the statistics for long-term weight loss, they look pretty bleak. Scientists still do not fully understand how the process, which causes many people to regain their weight after dieting, added the physician.
Obesity is gaining ground worldwide
Researchers now discovered the genetic basis for many weight-related diseases. They found a gene that does not burn fat but stores it instead. Some media have already described this gene as the "obesity gene," but it's not that easy, said Prof. Bray. Obesity is a major burden on the healthcare system and increases the individual's risk for a number of other diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Across the world, obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. Obesity is one of the most serious problems of our time, according to Prof. Bray in the study. Apparently, prevention is the best approach, but there are millions of people who are currently overweight and in urgent need of more effective strategies for long-term weight loss, the physician added. Several research projects have shown that about half of the factors that influence the Body Mass Index (BMI) are genetic factors. The remaining factors include, for example, exercise and nutrition. Depending on the personal genes, exercise may be less effective in reducing weight for some people.
Effective treatment methods must be developed
But people should not think that only genes play a role and that they do not have to do anything to lose weight, researchers say. For some people, their genes make it harder to lose weight, but these should now be even more motivated to change, explained Prof. Bray. In recent years, we have made great progress in our general understanding of obesity. What drives our eating habits, how are fat cells formed and how does our metabolism change before and after the onset of obesity? Science has comprehensively investigated these questions and now is the time to evaluate the abundance of data and find ways to treat people in need more effectively, said Prof. Bray. (As)