One of the biggest reasons I identified in consulting with clients in Private practice, is that people are “scared” to test their DNA because they are concerned (“do not want to know”) of what the results might reveal. Experience have thought me that this is mainly because people do not completely understand what DNA testing for weight and wellness is all about.

You are your DNA. Think of DNA as being the “microchip” that codes for who are” – a simple example is the coding for your eye colour.

VERY IMPORTANT to understand is that testing weight and wellness genes in your DNA, is different to having blood tests done and also tests like EKGs, mammograms and MR-scans to name a few.

DNA is only tested ONCE in a lifetime because DNA never changes. Your DNA stays the same as you age. Blood tests are repeated throughout your life because blood parameters may vary. (e.g. inflammation genes might be higher with an infection than when you are not sick).

The Genes included in DNA tests for weight and wellness are Genes that you can influence/ manipulate with specific changes in lifestyle behaviour (“switching risk genes off” – which means reducing your risk for disease).

The emphasis is that you test for a RISK – it is NOT a 100% guarantee that you will get the disease – because as mentioned above – “ONLY YOU, YOURSELF through behaviour changes can reduces the risk”.

It is all about empowering yourself to “KNOW your DNA, and to KNOW what you can do about risk genes!”

To give you two examples:

Example 1: Risk genes for an increased risk for DNA damage (DNA damage = significant increase in risk for serious diseases) can be “switched” off by taking a combination of B-vitamins with a metabolically active form of folic acid. Thus, by one action you can assist in protecting your body against DNA damage.

Example 2: Risk genes for weight loss resistance and a slow rate of weight loss, can be manipulated by including or avoiding certain foods and micronutrients, and also with the intensity of exercise sessions. I have seen over the years of working with DNA that a specific group of people should reduce the intensity of their current exercise sessions to optimize weight loss.

You always carry some sort of Identification (ID book or Drivers license) with you. The same goes for your DNA. DNA is the ID book of who you are, BUT also of what you CAN DO to manipulate risk genes. Think of it as “having answers to the test before your write the test!”

I have tested my own DNA and that of my family. Thus I do not only know my own DNA and the risks involved, but I also know exactly what type of diet, exercise and other lifestyle modifications is most suited for my children as they grow up and become healthy adults.