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If you’ve ever wondered how people who eat healthy struggle to lose weight but people with the most unhealthy diets maintain a healthy weight, you’re in the right place. A complex interplay of several environmental and genetic factors determines your body weight. Environments may change, but your genetic makeup is unique to you. Getting a genetic test for weight loss is a great way to help you understand your health better, allowing you to make the right dietary choices.
For a long time, we’ve assumed that weight gain and loss depend almost entirely on our lifestyle.
Eat unhealthy foods and put on weight, eat healthier and watch the scale go down.
It may not be as simple as that anymore.
Now, researchers study the genetics of weight in greater detail.
A study surveyed the genetic background of patients who had undergone weight loss procedures.
The study revealed that genetics played a role in determining the procedure's long-term effectiveness.
The authors also suggested that genetic screening of people with obesity can help recommend a personalized and cost-effective treatment option that would benefit the patient in the long term.
Suitable lifestyle modifications can help combat weight fluctuations.
Regular exercise and a refined diet have a significant impact on body weight.
In addition, habits like meditation to manage stress and a good sleep schedule can further help with weight loss.
Interestingly, how you respond to these healthy habits is influenced by your genes.
For example, dieting and a new sleep schedule work best for person A, while person B benefits more from regular exercise and meditation.
Your genetic makeup can determine which routine would impact your health more strongly.
Thus, getting a genetic test for weight loss is the best way to kickstart your wellness journey.
The short answer is yes.
However, no single “weight loss” gene directly controls the trait.
Your weight also indirectly depends on how you process food, adapt to exercise, handle stress, and more.
Your genetic makeup can answer all these questions:
Your genes aren’t entirely responsible for your body weight.
Factors from your environment and lifestyle contribute to weight gain, too.
Some of these non-genetic factors include:
Genetic testing for weight loss can help:
While lifestyle-related traits are easily noticeable, genetic traits aren’t immediately apparent.
For instance, you could trace a spike in weight back to a lack of exercise or a snacking spree in the recent past.
However, if you aren’t seeing enough results from your workout routine, you won’t be able to isolate the culprit genes.
That’s where genetic testing comes in.
Genetic testing can help you optimize your lifestyle, making your current diet and exercise routine more effective.
Healthy habits help, and genetic testing can augment them further.
Genetic testing for weight loss includes:
Ordering a DNA sample kit can cost up to a few hundred dollars.
Xcode Life offers a detailed, user-friendly genetic fitness test for just $30.
Some companies charge up to $200 for their weight loss-based panels.
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https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-sitting-is-bad-for-you
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9362746
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/lack-of-sleep-weight-gain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537590
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/depression-weight-gain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6171810
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8541372
Low calorific value, high antioxidant content, and healthy fats galore. What’s not to love about healthy oils like avocado and olive oil? Thanks to their innumerable health benefits, they’re all the rage now. But is one healthier than the other? To answer this question, let’s explore the similarities and differences between avocado and olive oil.
First things first, let’s take a look at their nutritional profiles:
| Parameter | Avocado Oil | Olive Oil |
| Calorific Value (kJ/kg) | 129 | 120 |
| Fat Composition Saturated fat Monounsaturated fat Saturated fat | 14 g 2 g 10 g 2 g | 13.5 g 2 g 10 g 1.5 g |
| Antioxidants (Vitamin E) | 23% of daily value (DV) | 33% of DV |
Here, we can see that:
Olive oil offers a host of health benefits, such as:
Olive oil is rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs).
These fatty acids help increase the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol levels and decrease the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels.
In fact, among all plant-based cooking oils, olive oil has the highest levels of MUFAs.
Olive oil is also anti-thrombotic, reducing the chances of a blood clot.
Its anti-atherogenic properties help clean up dangerous deposits in your blood vessels.
These properties are healthy for the heart and prevent heart disease.
Chronic inflammation encourages the onset of chronic and degenerative diseases.
Olive oil has a high polyphenol content, which helps reduce inflammatory molecules.
Olive oil combats chronic inflammation, reducing the risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, joint, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Polyphenols present in olive oil also have anti-cancer, anti-thrombotic, and anti-atherogenic properties.
For this reason, consumption of olive oil may help prevent some cancers.
Avocado oil is also rich in monounsaturated fats.
They enhance fat-soluble vitamin absorption (Vitamins A, D, E, and K).
Meals enriched with avocado oil help your body absorb vitamins effectively.
Avocado oil is highly moisturizing and is rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant.
Vitamin E supports skin health by reducing oxidative stress and hydrating skin.
It can also improve the skin's elasticity and soothe irritated or dry skin.
When applied topically, avocado oil may:
Avocado oil is also rich in MUFAs, which are known to improve heart health.
Studies have found that avocado oil lowers bad LDL cholesterol and increases good HDL cholesterol levels.
They reduce inflammation and improve overall cardiovascular function.
Avocado oil also contains beta-sitosterol, a compound that further lowers cholesterol levels.
Thus, avocado oil supports cardiovascular health, too.
Smoke point is the temperature at which the fats in the oil begin to break down and turn into smoke.
Olive oil’s smoke point is around 374–405°F (190–207°C), making it a safe choice for cooking at home.
Avocado oil’s smoke point is around 500°F (260oC), making it a chef's favorite and one of the most versatile cooking oils in larger kitchens.
Both olive and avocado oils can be used for cooking.
However, both oils have different taste profiles.
Olive oil has a smooth and versatile flavor profile– it is nutty, fresh, and peppery.
Avocado oil, on the other hand, is a more grassy, mildly sweet, and buttery flavor.
Between the two, olive oil is more suitable for nearly all foods.
Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), is ideal for low- to medium-heat cooking, dressings, and drizzling.
It's delicate and flavor-rich, perfect for uncooked dressing or gentle sautéing.
Due to its smoke point, it is better suited for lower-heat cooking and finishing dishes.
Avocado oil's higher smoke point makes it perfect for high-heat cooking.
Its mild, neutral flavor makes it versatile for everything from frying to roasting.
With a smoke point of around 520°F (271°C), it is ideal for high-temperature techniques like frying, searing, and roasting.
Both oils have similar health benefits and are great for your health in the long run.
However, they have slightly varied nutritional value, and both oils have their spheres of use.
Olive oil is the more practical option at home.
It has the highest amount of MUFA among plant-based oils, making it a sought-after option for cooking.
Still, avocado oil has nearly the same health benefits and is considered one of the healthiest oils for cooking.
It could be a healthy option while eating out.
Avocado and olive oil are considered healthy fats and have many health benefits.
When choosing between the two, you can consider factors like flavor, price, and cooking methods.
Avocado oil is ideal for stir-frying due to its high smoke point.
Olive oil is more suitable for lighter cooking techniques like roasting.
Avocado oil can cause skin irritation on some skin types if consumed in excess.
It’s best to avoid avocado oil if you have any kind of vegetable oil allergy.
Mixing the oils results in a product with a unique aroma, better smoke point, and a balanced nutritional profile.
Have you ever wondered why some people seem more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) than others? While lifestyle factors and hygiene play a significant role, an intriguing question often arises: Are UTIs genetic? In this article, we'll dive into the genetics of UTIs and explore whether your genes could contribute to your susceptibility.
UTIs are common infections that infect the urinary tract.
These infections are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra (the tube that expels urine from the bladder outside) either from the skin or the rectum.
The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection called cystitis. If unchecked, in rare cases, bladder infections can travel upwards to affect the kidney.
Around 60% of females and 12% of males will have experienced at least one episode of UTI during their lifetime.
You may have UTI if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
If the UTI has spread to the kidneys, you may experience the following:
*Disclaimer: Please do not self-diagnose UTIs based only on the above information. Visit a qualified medical practitioner for the best course of action.
Yes, genetics is one of the factors that influence the development of UTIs. This risk is influenced predominantly by genes that regulate the immune responses of the host.
Recurrent Infections
According to research, 27% of females experience UTI recurrence within 6 months of the first infection, and 40% of kids who get a UTI develop another one within a year.
The recurrent nature of UTIs may indicate that this condition may have a genetic link with some females prone to them due to their family tree.
Family history
A few studies have reported that females who have recurrent UTIs have a stronger family history of UTIs compared to other females.
Genetic variants
Further research found that some people born with specific cell receptors in their urinary tracts that allow bacteria to stick to them better develop UTIs more often.
A 2010 study on UTIs found that 6 out of 14 genes investigated may be associated with genetic susceptibility to recurrent UTIs in humans.
These studies show that being prone to UTIs may have to do with your genetic makeup and heredity.
The genes implicated control the immune system pathways in the body. Any variations in these genes have also been found to increase your UTI risk.
There is no clear inheritance pattern for UTIs. When there's an affected family member, female relatives of that member tend to have a higher risk.
Though UTIs are not contagious, the bacteria causing this infection can travel from one person to another.
Research states that having a mother or sister with recurrent UTIs increases your risk of developing the condition more often.
This has to do with your genes.
Some females inherit cell receptors in the urinary tract from their biological mothers, which allows bacteria to stick better, causing recurrent UTIs.
Bacteria live in large numbers around the vagina and the rectum.
When these bacteria enter the urinary tract due to wrong personal hygiene practices, they tend to cause UTIs.
Just like some people are prone to colds and allergies, many are prone to UTIs.
A few factors known to cause and increase the risk of UTIs include:
Genetics does not directly cause UTIs. However, when combined with environmental and lifestyle factors, your genes can influence your risk for UTIs.
Several personal hygiene practices can increase your risk for UTIs. For example:
Sexual intercourse and other associated practices can increase the risk for UTIs.
Public hot tubs and jacuzzis are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that cause UTIs.
Working in an unclean environment has been found to cause an increased incidence of UTIs.
Whether you are prone to UTIs or just wish to stay clear of these pesky infections, here are a few ways to prevent them:
Keeping yourself hydrated and drinking adequate water helps flush out bacteria in the urinary tract every time you urinate.
Though UTIs are nagging infections, they are easy to manage.
Treatment and management of UTIs depend upon the severity of the infection, your symptoms, and the causative organism (that can be detected using a urinary culture).
Antibiotics are usually the first line of treatment for UTIs.
Following healthy personal hygiene practices and staying hydrated can also help alleviate the symptoms and reduce the recurrence of UTIs.
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Most of us have a vitamin supplement or two in our medicine caddy that we take every day, hoping to get that energy boost or shake off the winter blues. In fact, according to a recent report, around 60% of adults in the US use dietary supplements, with multivitamins being the most common, closely followed by vitamin D. While we rely on these supplements to enhance our well-being and fill nutritional gaps, how can you tell if they're working, and how long does it actually take to see results? This article serves as an in-depth guide to vitamin consumption and provides effective tips on increasing vitamin absorption.
There are several proven benefits of taking vitamins as supplements:
Vitamins are present in the food we consume and supplements we take.
Like all other nutrients, they are absorbed by the body through the digestive system.
When you consume a food or supplement containing vitamins, the food is broken down in the stomach and intestines and absorbed into the blood.
The presence of certain foods in your diet can speed up the absorption of vitamins.
Fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D require fat in your meals to be absorbed.
Besides food, gut bacteria also play an essential role in supporting vitamin digestion.
Different types of vitamins take different durations to show their effects.
Generally speaking, water-soluble vitamins start working within days; in contrast, fat-soluble vitamins take weeks to months to start working.
However, both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins may take, on average, 3 months to correct a vitamin deficiency.
Other factors that determine how long it takes for vitamins to work include:
Consuming fat with fat-soluble vitamins enhances their absorption.
Some factors that affect the efficacy of vitamins are:
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When vitamins start working, you will notice signs like:
and improvement in other symptoms you experienced before taking supplements.
However, a sure-shot way to tell if your vitamins are actually working for you is through blood test that examines the levels of various vitamins and minerals in your body.
While no one method can make vitamins work like magic, there are certain things one can follow to get the maximum benefit.
Did You Know? Mutations in certain genes that influence the absorption, conversion, and transport of vitamins can put you at a high risk for deficiency. Uncover your complete nutritional profile with Xcode Life's Gene Nutrition Report.
reports are generated with ancestry test raw data. xcode life does not ship out DNA kits
If you are taking vitamins and are still experiencing signs and symptoms like fatigue, sleep issues, bleeding gums, brittle nails, or vision problems, your vitamin supplements may not be working.
While it takes some time for your body to get used to the vitamin supplements, persistent signs and symptoms of vitamin deficiency must be evaluated by your doctor.
Adding vitamins to your daily routine is easy and quick.
Here are a few tips that may be helpful:
There is no right time to take vitamins. However, doctors recommend taking them with or after meals to increase absorption.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right multivitamin:
It’s a common misconception that earlobes are simply either free or attached. The genetic reasoning behind earlobes manifesting as attached or detached is much more complex than we previously thought. Scientists have isolated several genetic loci and environmental factors that help form our earlobes. This article will dive into earlobe attachment and the intricate genetics responsible for those seemingly insignificant bits of skin beneath your ears.
Genetic ancestry tests are becoming increasingly popular. While your DNA can be used to learn about your roots, did you know that it can also reveal important things about your health risks and wellness aspects? This allows you to take proactive measures for health conditions, even before the symptoms appear, thereby preventing it. You can upload your DNA data to learn 1,500+ things about your health. Learn more.
Earlobes are the soft, fleshy part of the outer ear, situated beneath the ear's rim and extending towards the jawline.
Earlobes are composed of soft tissue and fat, with no cartilage, making them soft and pliable.
They can range from large and hanging down to small and hardly noticeable.
There are two main kinds of human earlobes:
This distinction is known as "earlobe attachment" and is a widely used example in the study of human genetics.
Earlobe attachment is a genetic trait influenced by multiple genes,
The combination of various genes inherited from your parents determines your earlobe attachment type(attached or detached).
Most individuals have the same earlobe attachment type on both ears.
However, in rare instances, one earlobe is attached, and the other is detached.
This condition is known as asymmetric earlobe attachment.
Scientists don't fully understand the exact reasons for this asymmetry.
It's likely a result of the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
The prevalence of attached earlobes varies globally.
It's important to remember that these figures are estimates, and actual frequencies may differ within specific populations.
Yes, earlobes can change in size and shape as we age.
Over time, ear cartilage becomes thinner and weaker, causing ears to droop and grow longer.
Earlobe fat tissue content also decreases, making them flatter and less noticeable.
Additionally, the skin loses elasticity and collagen, resulting in wrinkles and sagging.
However, your earlobe attachment trait won’t change with age.
The genetic basis of attached earlobes is complex.
Some researchers say many different genes influence earlobe attachment, while others disagree.
A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 49 genetic locations associated with earlobe attachment.
The researchers found several candidate genes, including EDAR, SP5, MRPS22, ADGRG6, KIAA1217, and PAX9.
The EDAR gene is particularly interesting because it influences the probability of having attached earlobes.
Other genes responsible for cell signaling, adhesion, and differentiation are also associated with attached earlobes.
Further research is underway into how these genes influence earlobe attachment together.
Attached earlobes are a recessive trait.
They result from the absence of a dominant allele on the chromosomes.
In genetics, traits are influenced by alleles, which are different manifestations of the same gene.
Some dominant alleles have a stronger influence than others, leading to a particular trait.
The recessive allele exerts influence when the dominant alleles are absent, enabling the opposite trait.
Let’s study a gene responsible for earlobe attachment.
There are two alleles (versions) of this gene: the dominant A allele(for free earlobes) and the recessive a allele (for attached earlobes).
The genotypes AA and Aa will result in the dominant trait, free earlobes.
The genotype aa will result in the recessive trait, attached earlobes.
In reality, the inheritance of this trait is complex and goes beyond a single gene’s influence.
Parents with attached earlobes could have children with different earlobe types.
Most people consider earlobe attachment as a simple Mendelian trait, which is meant to follow a clear pattern of inheritance based on dominant and recessive alleles.
It’s more accurate to describe earlobe attachment as a complex trait following two kinds of inheritance patterns.
Polygenic inheritance means multiple genes determine the trait, each having a modest effect.
Multifactorial inheritance signifies that environmental factors also play a role, introducing more variation.
Thus, predicting earlobe attachment isn't as simple as examining your parents’ traits; it also involves an element of chance and other contributing factors.
Some genetic conditions can affect the shape and size of the earlobes, including:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/earlobe-anatomy-5092216
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Genetics-of-Earlobes.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5812923/
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/beckwith-wiedemann-syndrome
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/cornelia-de-lange-syndrome/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362125
Studies suggest that female relatives of people with anorexia are 11 times more likely to develop it. This points towards the involvement of genetics in some capacity. Though the exact genes that influence it are unknown, it may be caused by a combination of several genes and other lifestyle and environmental factors. This article explores anorexia in-depth, discussing its causes, symptoms, genetics, and treatment options.
Anorexia nervosa, also referred to as anorexia, is a psychological and potentially life-threatening eating disorder.
It is characterized by an excessive fear of weight gain.
Anorexia is typically seen in adolescent girls and young women, but anyone can develop this metabolic condition.
Professionals who are expected to be fit and lean at all times tend to develop this condition more commonly.
These include athletes, models, actresses, etc.
| Restrictive | Binge/Purge |
| Involves restricting calorie consumption by avoiding certain types of foods, skipping meals, and over-exercising. | Starvation is accompanied by periods of binge eating. Gear of weight gain results in self-induced vomiting and misusing enemas and laxatives. |
The role of genetics in eating disorders has been a subject of research for decades.
Several studies have examined the genetic angle of anorexia nervosa:
Eight genes were found to play a role in anorexia, and they are all involved in appetite control. Mutations in these genes could change your perception of hunger.
The signs and symptoms of this metabolic disorder can be classified into – physical, psychological, or behavioral.
People with OCD have a higher risk of developing anorexia.
They are more likely to follow strict diets, forego eating and go hungry for days without food.
They also tend to go to extremes to achieve perfection; feeling like they aren't at their “ideal” body weight.
Many people tend to develop anorexia due to societal pressure that gives a lot of importance to “being thin.”
Peer pressure could fuel young girls’ need to be thinner, leading to eating disorders.
Anorexia is more common in women and often seen in teenage girls, but there is a rising trend of this disease occuring in women over 50..
Though studies are still underway, a new study has suggested that there may be a neurological reason for the disparity of the disease occurrence in men and women.
Women are more likely to experience a negative perception of their bodies than men, making them think they must be 'thin.'
While social media can’t directly cause an eating disorder, the toxic environments it creates can certainly lead to problems down the road.
The information shared on social media can significantly influence how a person thinks, feels, behaves.
It has a big impact on their self-image and self-esteem.
A 2017 meta-analysis identified a positive correlation between the use of social media and irregular eating behaviors.
The study further confirmed that the excessive use of social media is associated with an increased risk of disordered eating behaviors.
Disordered eating impacts our physical and mental well-being.
Eating disorders like anorexia can significantly affect the nervous system and the brain.
The following are some effects anorexia has on the brain:
Research has shown that people who have recovered from or are currently experiencing anorexia have abnormal brain activity.
Their brains react to stimuli and produce serotonin differently.
Insomnia is also a symptom associated with anorexia.
The weight loss, malnutrition, and starvation seen in people with anorexia can also contribute to poorer sleep quality and duration.
However, whether these changes in pathways and brain responses are seen before a person develops anorexia remains unknown.ith an increased risk of disordered eating behaviors.
The American Psychiatric Association classifies eating disorders as mental illnesses that often develop due to unresolved underlying issues.
If left untreated, they can result in more serious medical conditions.
Females are generally at a higher risk of developing AN, but a recent study conducted at Harvard found that 25% of AN and bulimia cases were people assigned male at birth. They posited that these numbers were lower because these cases are often unreported or undiagnosed.
Not everyone who suffers from anorexia has a stereotypical 'anorexic' look.
Anorexia can look like someone with a healthy weight who’s unhappy with their appearance and trying to lose weight.
Additionally, not all thin people have anorexia.
Some people suffering from other eating disorders like bulimia can also appear excessively thin..
It’s a common misconception that anorexia is a lifelong condition.
With enough treatment, time, and effort, anorexia can be overcome.
While they’re called eating disorders, they result from a combination of biological, psychological and social factors.
People with anorexia are more fixated on their appearance than on what or how they eat.
Patients who are suspected to be suffering from anorexia are diagnosed as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- Fifth Edition (DSM-V), published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013.
As per the manual, a person is anorexic if they fulfill the following criteria:
By keeping the above DSM-V criteria in mind, doctors will perform multiple tests to rule out any other disorders. These tests include
Other Tests: X-rays to check for bone density and fractures and ECG to detect any cardiac abnormalities.lities.
Physical Examination: Measurement of BMI, vital signs, skin health, and abdominal examination.
Lab Tests: Routine tests to analyze blood and detect the levels of electrolytes and liver enzymes that indicate the body’s fasting mode.
Psychological Evaluation: Mental health professionals evaluate patients' thoughts, feelings, emotions, and eating habits.
The treatment is usually a team approach.
It involves efforts by doctors, mental health specialists, dieticians, and the willingness of the patient.
If the patient suffers from serious effects of eating disorders, they may need hospitalization.
It can help correct medical complications, malnutrition, and psychiatric problems.
After the patient is stable, the next step is to nourish them to a healthy body weight.
Nutritionists work with psychologists to develop strategies that correct the patient’s perception of their appearance and weight.
A dietician works to monitor the patient’s diet and nutritional intake constantly.
The treatment process and management are incomplete without mental and emotional support from family and friends.
If you are diagnosed with anorexia, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.
Along with their recommendations, some home remedies can help manage the condition.
Anorexia is one of the most dangerous, potentially life-threatening mental health illnesses.
In most cases, these individuals appear to have ‘healthy’ lifestyles but are fighting battles within themselves.
It’s important to remember that ‘eating disorder’ implies a distorted eating behaviour, not a tantrum about eating food.
Such recurrent, disordered thoughts overtake the person's mind slowly.
Recovering from an eating disorder is challenging but not impossible.
Substance abuse is overcome by cutting out dangerous substances, but eating disorders are overcome only by recognizing that we need food to stay alive and well.
More than anything, people with anorexia desperately need love, care, and reassurance from the people around them.
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