Suitable products for: Weight loss

Why take a DNA test when trying to lose weight?

A DNA test for weight loss helps you understand how your body really works – instead of continuing to experiment with random diets. A DNA metabolism test analyzes specific gene variants that influence fat burning, carbohydrate utilization, appetite regulation, insulin sensitivity, and the effectiveness of exercise . This way, you'll find out whether you're more of a "carbohydrate type" or a "fat burner," how your body reacts to protein, and which dietary approach is right for you in the long run.

At mybody®, DNA metabolism tests like the Fitness | VITALITY DNA Test show you how your body reacts to exercise, stress, and nutrition – including personalized nutrition and exercise recommendations for fat loss. Instead of "one-size-fits-all" diets, you receive an individual plan based on your genetics. This saves frustration and time and increases the chance that you will achieve your desired weight sustainably – without constant fluctuations.

Causes of possible obesity

Obesity is rarely caused by a single factor – it is usually a combination of lifestyle, diet, exercise, hormones, psychological factors, and genetics . Common causes include:

• A diet high in calories and sugar, with many highly processed foods
  
• Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle
  
• Stress, lack of sleep and hormonal imbalances (e.g. cortisol, thyroid)
  
• Medication use (e.g., certain antidepressants, cortisone)
  
• Unfavorable environment (“Obesogenic Environment” – constant availability of snacks, little daily exercise)
  
• Genetic predisposition: Studies show that variants in genes such as FTO and MC4R can increase the risk of higher body weight and fat storage.
  

The World Health Organization defines overweight as too much body fat, usually recognizable by a BMI over 25 , and obesity by a BMI ≥ 30 – with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other related illnesses. A DNA-based approach helps you better understand these causes and specifically target the factors that are most important to you.

Recognizing overweight and understanding BMI

To identify overweight , the Body Mass Index (BMI) is frequently used. It is calculated as weight (kg) / height² (m²) . For adults, many guidelines specify the following target ranges:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5
  
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5–24.9
  
• Overweight: BMI 25–29.9
  
• Obesity (obesity grade I–III): BMI ≥ 30
  

Important: BMI is a screening value , not a perfect measure. It does not differentiate between fat and muscle mass and says nothing about the distribution of body fat (abdominal fat, for example, is significantly riskier). Therefore, it is increasingly recommended to also consider waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio , and metabolic markers (blood sugar, blood lipids, blood pressure).

For you in everyday life, this means: The BMI gives you an initial indication of whether your weight is within a healthy range. Combined with a metabolic or blood test from mybody®, you get a more complete picture: How active is your metabolism, what are your blood lipid levels, and how does your body react to certain nutrients?

Metabolism test for weight loss – easily from home

If you'd like to test your metabolism for weight loss , you can now do so conveniently from home. mybody® offers various DNA metabolism tests and blood tests that show you how your body processes energy:

• DNA analysis for fat burning, carbohydrate tolerance, appetite regulation, training type mybody®x
  
• Blood tests for nutrients, hormones, blood sugar, and fats that affect your metabolism
  

Samples are usually taken via saliva (DNA) or capillary blood from the fingertip . Your sample is analyzed in an ISO-certified laboratory , and you will receive the results in an easy-to-understand online report with personalized recommendations on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle. mybody®x

This way you can find out whether, for example, a low-carb, high-protein, or a balanced diet suits you better, which sports optimally boost your fat burning, and where potential blockages in your metabolism lie. This makes weight loss predictable – instead of just trial and error.

How does obesity develop?

Obesity develops when more energy is consumed than expended over a prolonged period – but the underlying mechanisms are more complex than simply "eating too much and exercising too little." Modern research shows that obesity is an interplay of genes, hormones, the microbiome, psychological factors, environment, and behavior .

Some key mechanisms:

• Energy surplus: High-calorie, low-nutrient diet (e.g., sugary drinks, fast food)
  
• Hormone regulation: Disruptions in insulin, leptin, and ghrelin signaling (hunger/satiety)
  
• Genetics: Variants in genes such as FTO and MC4R increase the likelihood of storing more fat, gaining weight more easily, or experiencing increased appetite.
  
• Gut flora: An unfavorable microbiome can increase energy absorption from food and promote inflammation.
  
• Psychological factors: Emotional eating, stress eating, lack of sleep
  

A DNA- and metabolism-based approach – like the mybody® DNA tests for metabolism & weight – helps you better understand these mechanisms in your own life and target them specifically, instead of viewing excess weight as simply a matter of willpower. mybody®x

Why does my DNA affect my weight?

Your DNA influences your weight because your genes determine how your body reacts to food, exercise, and the environment. Studies show that genetic variants, for example in FTO and MC4R, are associated with a higher BMI, increased hunger, and altered energy expenditure.

A DNA test can provide information about, among other things:

• Predisposition to fat vs. carbohydrate burning
  
• Tendency towards increased appetite or snacking
  
• Insulin and blood sugar response
  
• Recommended training intensity (e.g., strength vs. endurance)
  
• Susceptibility to yo-yo effect
  

At mybody®, precisely these kinds of markers are analyzed as part of DNA metabolic tests to show you which nutrition and exercise strategies best suit your genetic makeup. mybody®x

Important: Your genes determine tendencies , not destiny. They explain why some diets are harder for you, while others seem to make weight loss "easier." With the knowledge gained from a DNA test, you can finally use these genetic factors to your advantage – and create a weight loss plan that truly suits your body.