How Your Genes Influence Whether a Diet Works for You
Ever wondered why your friend loses 10 pounds on a low-carb diet while you end up feeling heavier and frustrated? The answer might be in your DNA.
5/16/20251 min read
What Your Genes Have to Do with Weight Loss
Genetics play a major role in how your body responds to certain diets—from how you burn fat and feel hunger to how you process different nutrients. Science now confirms: diets aren’t one-size-fits-all, and your genes may be the reason why.
Key Genes That Affect Your Response to Diets
FTO Gene: People with certain variants of this gene tend to feel hungrier and may consume an extra 125–280 calories per day on average.
MC4R Gene: Mutations here are linked to increased appetite and a higher risk of obesity.
AMY1 Gene: This gene affects how well your body digests starch. Those with more copies of AMY1 usually handle carb-rich foods better than others.
Personalized Nutrition: Eating for Your DNA
The field of nutrigenomics looks at how individual genetic differences influence the way we respond to food. The idea is simple: if you know how your body is wired, you can tailor your diet to match. For example, some people may thrive on low-carb plans, while others do better with low-fat—depending on their genes.
But Genes Aren’t Everything
Here’s the catch: your DNA is just one piece of the puzzle. Lifestyle choices, physical activity, stress levels, gut health, and even sleep all impact weight loss. Genetic testing can provide useful insights—but it’s not a magic fix.
Bottom Line
Your DNA can influence how your body responds to different diets—there’s real science behind it. But long-term success comes from a holistic approach. Personalized nutrition might give you a helpful edge, but consistency, movement, and mindful habits still matter most.