Let's Talk about DNA and Your Weight

The answer to your struggle to lose weight could be due to your genetic makeup, according to the New York Post. 761 adults with abdominal obesity, the most dangerous type of excess fat, were studied.

For 18-24 months, they followed the highly endorsed low-fat, low-carb Mediterranean diet. Even with high adherence to the diet, almost 30% of the participants experienced little to no weight loss or even experienced weight gain. 

However, this particular group of participants saw several significant metabolic improvements:

• Elevated HDL (good) cholesterol levels

• Reduction in leptin levels (hunger hormone)

• Decrease in visceral fat (which surrounds organs including the liver, intestines, and stomach)

• Lower liver fat

Improvement in these metabolic markers support long-term health. As metabolic biomarkers improve, your body may be reducing harmful visceral fat.

Researchers also examined DNA methylation markers, a specific site on your DNA where a methyl group (a small chemical tag) is attached. These markers don't change the DNA sequence itself, but they can influence how genes are expressed.

The researchers identified 12 specific genes that are associated with long-term resistance to weight loss. From the behavior of these specific markers, it signals a biological predisposition for the inability to lose weight rather than lack of effort through diet and exercise. It is noted the study’s demographics skewed to including more older male participants versus a proportionate percentage of including younger female participants.

Having a mindset centered around the number on the scale creates limitations. Individuals who don’t see a decrease in weight despite following a specific protocol are will view themselves as "failing" at losing weight, even when they achieve the metabolic benefits that accompanies weight loss. Reduced visceral fat and improved cardio-metabolic biomarkers support long‑term health.

Genetic factors influence metabolism, appetite, and fat storage, which all contribute to a person’s ability to lose weight, but they do not completely prevent a person's ability to lose weight. With this in mind, it's important to encourage patients to reframe success by focusing on metbabolic improvements first.

Exploring More Weight Loss Options

• Focus on holistic health goals—sleep, stress, exercise, nutrition quality—not just the scale.

• Medications including GLP-1 antagonists such as Wegovy can help overcome genetic resistance with the proper lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise. 

• Bariatric surgical procedures, such as the gastric sleeve, have proven to be effective for long-term solutions for weight loss

Genetics play a role in weight loss speed, but these factors don’t completely prevent weight loss.

If your scale isn’t budging, your metabolic health may still be improving (measured through biomarkers). If combined with prescription medications or bariatric surgery, the chances of a successful weight loss journey are much higher.

Medications or bariatric surgery are both proven options for long-term weight loss. Contact Dr. Korman's office to discuss options that best fit your individual weight loss goals.