Your genes may determine if you will lose weight

Los Angeles

Your genes may determine whether or not you will shed those extra kilos during a weight loss programme, a new study has found.

Researchers from University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) in the US analysed information from 46 people who took part in an eight-week programme that involved changes in diet, exercise and behaviour.

The participants submitted a DNA sample for a test that analysed 75 genetic markers already known to be linked with certain health conditions or with the body's responses to diet and exercise.

Researchers studied whether certain genetic markers could determine which participants had lost 5 per cent or more of their body weight by the end of the programme and which participants had either lost less than 1 per cent of their body weight or gained weight, 'Live Science' reported.

They found five genetic markers associated with weight loss. Researchers used the markers to develop a mathematical model aimed at estimating weight loss.

Using the model, they were able to correctly predict 75 per cent of the time who would lose weight.

"Patient weight loss following behavioural modification therapy really varies," said Cecilia Dalle Ore from UC San Diego.

"The findings suggest that people's genes could potentially be used to predict their response to behavioural modification programme," she said. — PTI