Diets could soon be designed by gene-type

Ever wondered about the common catch-phrase “you are what you eat” and then watched a relative or friend of yours demolish a huge meal of all the wrong things and never gain any fat?

Scientists for years have been studying the relationship between a persons genetic make-up and their ability to gain and lose weight.

As the research progresses it won’t be too far off that you will be able to obtain a genetic profile and then have a dietary plan personally designed for optimal health and weight loss to fit your profile.

Geneticist Jose Ordovas says that current research is uncovering the complex interactions between diet and a person’s DNA, which could in future lead to “more personalised advice about what to eat and drink to stave off heart disease, cancer and other chronic conditions”.

While some nutritionists have been quick to label the theory “another gimmick”, two recent landmark studies have found that an individual’s genes do have a lot to do with how their bodies react to certain foods.

One study of 32,000 people by the Genetic Investigation of Anthropometic Traits, discovered six genes that were linked to appetite control and obesity, five of which are active in the brain.

Dr. Peter D’Adamo a naturopathic physician (aka diet guru), is already practising this method and is gaining a loyal following, even from perpetual dieter Opray Winfrey.

Dr. D’Adamo explained that an individual’s DNA is unique, and that is why a “one size fits all diet” is ineffective.

In Dr. D’Adamo’s latest book, The GenoType Diet (Broadway), loosely based on his bestseller, Eat Right For Your (blood) Type (Putnam Adult), he suggests that eating certain foods based on your genetic make-up is the key to staying trim and healthy and living a long life.

He has identified six basic gene types and provides a customised food plan for each one, emphasising the foods and supplements that “will work best” for weight loss and health.

“Most significantly, it decides which foods will help you lose weight and achieve vitality, and which illnesses you’re most at risk of,” Dr D’Adamo says.

So which genotype are you?

The Hunter
Tall and thin, full of nervous energy and prone to allergies and asthma.
Eat: Meat-rich, low-gluten foods.
Superfoods: Beef, lamb, salmon, hard cheese, wild/brownrice, artichokes, broccoli, grapefruit.
Avoid: Nuts, grains, wheat, sugary foods, soft cheese.

The Teacher
Strong and sinewy, with great stamina.
Eat: White meat and fish.
Superfoods: Turkey, white fish, black beans, peanuts, peas, tofu, flaxseeds, .
Avoid: Sugary food, white carbohydrates, red meat.

The Explorer
Muscular, broad shoulders, narrow hips and low body fat.
Eat: Legumes, liver, beans, cheese and meat.
Superfoods: Liver, lamb, ricotta, mozzarella, lentils, parsnips, ginger, raspberries.
Avoid: Alcohol and caffeine.

The Gatherer
Full-figured, gains weight easily, has trouble processing alcohol and caffeine.
Eat: High-protein, low-GI.
Superfoods: Liver, lamb, ricotta, mozzarella, lentils, parsnips, ginger, raspberries.
Avoid: Fried and microwaved food.