Background: It is well-known in obesity research and clinical practice that there are differing responses to dietary interventions.

Genetic evaluation based on metabolic genotypes has been found helpful in understanding which dietary and activity recommendations are a best fit for weight management.

Purpose: This study provided information on practicality, acceptability, and effectiveness of incorporating Genetic Influenced to Personalize Dietary and Exercise Plans (GIPDEP) in clinical practice. We assessed the efficacy of personalized weight loss recommendations based on genetic information compared to conventional care.

Sample: Patients (N=92; on average 47 years of age [range: 22 to 71]; 78 females; 3 with normal weight, 27 overweight, 62 obese) from a community-based weight loss clinic were randomly assigned to the treatment (51 received genotype test screening) and the control (40 received conventional care) groups stratified by age, gender, initial BMI, and score in the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle (WEL) scale. Measures: The Weight Efficacy Lifestyle questionnaire ([WEL] was used to assess confidence in ability to lose weight. Patients were assessed twice (beginning, 4-month follow-up).

Results: At four months, both groups showed comparable decrease in BMI (treatment: Δ(ΒΜΙ)=-0.87±2.06; control: Δ(ΒΜΙ)=-0.81±1.54; Wilcoxon Rank Sums test, p=0.908). Multiple regression was used to assess the effect of treatment on Δ(ΒΜΙ) adjusting for age, gender, exercise, health issues limiting exercise, and daily sleep. In all models, treatment was not a statistically significant predictor of Δ(ΒΜΙ) (all p > 0.50).

Summary: Results do not provide evidence that weight loss recommendations based on genetic screening are more advantageous than conventional recommendations. The non-finding may be explained if we consider that weight loss is associated with a number of factors, i.e., self-efficacy, support, etc. The advantage of optimal recommendations may be masked by these other factors.

Disclosure

K.S. James: None.

Funding

Allen Foundation Inc.

© 2019 by the American Diabetes Association.
2019
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