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Charlottesville, VA – In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Virginia have challenged the long-held belief that diet alone determines weight and metabolic health. The study, published in the journal iScience, highlights the dominant role of genetics in shaping body weight, fat mass, blood sugar levels, and lipid profiles, potentially reshaping approaches to dietary recommendations and health management.
Dietary practices have traditionally promoted one-size-fits-all solutions, from the Mediterranean and vegetarian diets to the plant-based vegan regimen. However, researchers found that genetic differences significantly influence how individuals respond to these diets.
The study examined four genetically diverse groups of mice, each fed one of four diets: Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan, and the “typical American diet,” known for its association with negative health outcomes. Despite the diets having similar macronutrient compositions, the mice displayed widely varying metabolic and health outcomes based on their genetic background.
“People with weight issues often feel like they are eating the same things as others, but not seeing the same results,” said Dr. Heather Ferris, associate professor of medicine and an expert in diabetes management. “Our findings suggest that genetics may be a significant factor at play.”
Genetics and Precision Medicine
The research underscores the importance of personalized dietary approaches, moving beyond generic dietary recommendations. Dr. Susanna Keller, associate professor of medicine and an expert in metabolic diseases, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the study, which drew on expertise across fields including genome sciences, biomedical engineering, and dietetics.
Lead researcher Jordan Reed, who completed her doctorate in biomedical engineering at UVA, noted that the findings could pave the way for precision medicine. “These conclusions may guide future efforts to design personalized dietary interventions based on an individual’s unique genetic makeup,” she said.
A New Era of Nutritional Science
Currently, dietary recommendations are largely based on averages rather than individual genetic profiles. For example, vitamin D levels are monitored to achieve an average target, with little consideration of genetic variability. “The recommendation is not tailored to your genetic background, but rather to a population-wide standard,” explained Sibylle Kranz, a UVA research dietitian and associate professor of kinesiology.
Dr. Mete Civelek, a genome sciences professor at UVA, cautioned against commercially available genetic tests that promise personalized diets. “These tests lack FDA approval, do not consider nutritional status, and are not fully backed by science,” he said.
Towards Personalized Nutrition
The team hopes their research inspires further studies in human populations with diverse genetic backgrounds. The ultimate goal is to develop personalized nutritional interventions that can prevent or manage conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
“We envision a future where healthcare providers can use genetic and nutritional data to create customized health plans,” Ferris said.
As science continues to explore the complex interplay between genetics and nutrition, this research marks an important step toward understanding the unique factors that shape individual health outcomes.
Reference:
Jordan N. Reed et al., “Combined effects of genetic background and diet on mouse metabolism and gene expression,” iScience (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.111323
