Researchers from University of Texas found that genes may play a role in weight loss management and maintenance, and they believe that this discovery can lead to an effective and personalized diet design based on one's genetics.
The research, which is published at the research journal Obesity, identified possible genetic contributors that affect weight loss and weight gain which can be soon used to create a weight loss treatment tailored for the obese individual.
In order to identify the genetic factors related to weight loss and management, the proponents of the study analyzed genetic tests, genomic research and research on weight change.
From their analysis, they determined that certain genes were associated with a decrease as well as distribution of body fat but not on the overall Body Mass Index (BMI) of the individual.
Moreover, in terms of obesity treatment response, the researchers determined that some genetic variants make treatments more successful. It cited that a person with a certain "MTIF3 obesity-inducing allele" may find it easier to lose weight through lifestyle interventions, while those with a variation in the FTO gene may have a greater weight loss after a bariatric surgery.
Furthermore, epigenetics and the gut microbiome -- microorganisms commonly found in the stomach helping balance metabolic function -- were also found to have effects on weight loss and gain.
Certain genes were also linked to the preference of an individual in consuming high-calorie food. Meanwhile, the researchers also identified that genes associated with adherence to exercising affect hip and waist circumference as well as body weight and BMI, suggesting that such genes may influence weight change.
"When you go back and see how much of the variation in this gene accounts for the variation in body size in the general population, it's really small. So that highlights that there are going to be several genes involved with obesity, and they're going to interact with each other in complicated ways. And that's certainly true of weight loss and maintenance too," lead researcher Molly Bray, who is a geneticist and professor at The University of Texas at Austin, said in a Press Release.
On the other hand, the researchers believe that these findings can be the future of dieting.
"I think within five years, we'll see people start to use a combination of genetic, behavioral and other sophisticated data to develop individualized weight management plans," Bray added.
The lead researcher also explained that patients might submit saliva samples in the future for gene sequencing along with automated sensors to collect information about weight-related and influencing factors that might be used to help create specific suggestions for diet to reach the desired wait.