Is Metabolism Determined by Genetics or Diet?
Shaped by fads and one-size-fits-all approaches, current dietary practices rely on the idea that everyone needs the same food to achieve similar results, an idea challenged by new research from the University of Virginia.
UVA medical researchers say genetic background has a more prominent impact on body weight, fat mass, blood sugars and lipids than specific diets. Researchers fed four different diets with similar macronutrient content to four genetically diverse groups of mice. The diets were Mediterranean, vegetarian and vegan diets, in addition to the “typical American diet” commonly associated with negative health outcomes.
“People with weight issues often feel like they are eating the same thing as others who are close to them, but not getting the same results,” said Dr. Heather Ferris, associate professor of medicine and physician-scientist with a specialty in diabetes management. “It is likely individuals’ genetics is at play.”
Excerpted from UVA Today
