The internet is exploding with diet buzzwords: keto, counting calories, macronutrients, BMI — it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin! If you’ve racked up a long list of diets that haven’t worked, it might be time to get a little personal. Enter DNA testing for weight loss, a new way to personalize your weight loss experience on a deeper level. So, how is it different from other diets you’ve tried? We’ll explain.
We have paused our weight loss insights plan for now. In the meantime, stay healthy and check out our new meal delivery options.
What is genetic testing for weight loss?
Unlike one-size-fits all weight loss options, a DNA-focused weight loss meal plan is shaped by the results of a genetic test.
If you’re wondering if a low-carb diet, low-fat diet, or something that strikes a balance between the two could work for you, a DNA test could help you find an answer.
Quote“Genetic testing can help to explain more about your unique DNA and what weight loss strategies may work best for you,” explains Dr. Mark Sarzynski, Ph.D., FAHA, FACSM, Director of Genomics Research at a genetics-based health management company. “DNA gives you a unique opportunity to try a plan that may be better matched to your body.”
What this means: Based on your DNA, you may benefit from following one type of weight loss plan over another.
What can your DNA tell you about weight loss?
First, a quick refresher on genetics. Remember that twisted ladder shape from your science textbooks? That’s DNA. DNA is found in most of your body’s cells and holds a complex “recipe” of biological information that tells your cells what to do.1
Genes are the keys that may help to shed light on your experiences with weight loss. They’re segments of DNA responsible for individual characteristics that you’ve inherited from your parents.2 Humans share the same genes, but not all of them are expressed, or “turned on.”
Quote“If your DNA test results suggest you’re likely to be overweight as an adult, that doesn’t mean you’re destined to become overweight. However, your likelihood of becoming overweight may be greater than someone who doesn’t have that genetic profile,” says Sarzynski.
For many DNA-based weight loss programs, including Jenny Craig's, all you’ll need to do is a simple cheek swab.
What you’ll find out from your DNA test results can vary. Programs with the best DNA testing for weight loss can provide details about weight loss-specific genetic markers and give you a recommended menu plan, plus resources to help support your efforts. You’ll find each of these elements — and more — with Jenny Craig’s new plan.
Jenny Craig’s DNA weight loss plan: What will your results reveal?
If you’ve had trouble losing weight before, getting a better understanding of your genetic tendencies could help.
Jenny Craig’s DNA weight loss plan is a unique tool to help optimize your results and includes a detailed report with tips based on each of your genetic markers.
An analysis of 15 nutrition and weight loss-specific genetic markers
Discover how your body is likely to process carbohydrates, fat and protein, your likelihood of becoming overweight, and more. Learn about the 15 markers.
Exercise recommendations to support your weight loss
Could strength training or cardio help you to lose weight? Find out which activities could benefit your weight loss efforts and learn more about your natural motivation to exercise.
A meal plan tailored to your results
Based on how you’re likely to processes protein, fat and carbs, you’ll follow one of three recommended meal plans, explains Briana Rodriquez, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Jenny Craig.
What are the meal plan options?
Your DNA results will indicate which meal plan you should follow. Don’t want to give up your favorite foods? Don’t worry!
“Following a low-fat diet shouldn’t mean you have to avoid eating foods that contain healthy fats, while following a low-carb diet shouldn’t make you cut out carbs completely,” Rodriquez says. “Even though the meal plans can be lower in carbs or fat to help with weight loss, we make sure food groups aren’t eliminated.”
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Balanced — If your body is likely to process all three macronutrients (carbs, proteins and fats) normally, you’ll follow this meal plan.
- The Balanced meal plan emphasizes: A mix of fiber-rich carbohydrates, lean proteins and healthy fats.
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Low-Carb — If your body is likely to process carbohydrates less efficiently, you’ll follow this meal plan.
- The Low-Carb meal plan emphasizes: A variety of complex carbs, including non-starchy vegetables and other good sources of dietary fiber, plus lean proteins and healthy fats.
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Low-Fat — If your body is likely to process fats less efficiently, you’ll follow this meal plan.
- The Low-Fat meal plan emphasizes: Quality sources of good-for-you fats, carbs and protein; avoids unhealthy LDL cholesterol-boosting trans fat; and minimizes saturated fat.
Photo by @toddler.frat.house on Instagram
How the meal plans work
How the meal plans work
Once you receive your results, you’ll be matched with the meal plan that fits your unique needs.
The menus: All three meal plans are broken down into weekly menus that outline the delicious, ready-to-go meals you’ll enjoy for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Menus are powered by Rapid Results, Jenny Craig’s effective science-backed weight loss program, and developed by an expert nutrition team.
The portions: Entrées and snacks are smartly portioned to support weight loss. Plus, you’ll add one healthy snack of your own and your favorite non-starchy vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.
The variety: Each day, you’ll enjoy healthy versions of foods you’ll love. Dig into cheesy Margherita Pizza, savory Beef Teriyaki and even decadent Chocolate Lava Cake.
Convenience is key: There’s no messy prep work or time-consuming calorie counting needed. Our chef-crafted meals are ready in minutes!
Get access to a supportive weight loss community
Along with these insights, you’ll have an amazing community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about health and weight loss right at your fingertips.
Connect with a dedicated weight loss coach to support you throughout your journey. Get personalized, one-on-one coaching to help you work toward your goals. Chatting with your coach is simple: Get in touch online or in person at your local Jenny Craig center.
Ask a registered dietitian your weight loss questions and get them answered in our exclusive, private community. Plus, connect with other Jenny Craig members who are following the DNA weight loss plan!
Track your meals and exercise, then view your progress on the Jenny Craig mobile app.
A DNA test is just the beginning
Your weight loss program should be just as unique as you are, with options personalized to fit your lifestyle and needs. A program that includes DNA testing for weight loss, like Jenny Craig’s plan, could help. Using weight loss and nutrition-specific insights, the plan gives you the tools you need to better understand weight loss on your terms. It’s time to leave generic weight loss options behind — get your personalized plan today!
We have paused our weight loss insights plan for now. In the meantime, stay healthy and check out our new meal delivery options.
Sources:
[1] https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/basics/dna
[2] https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/basics/gene
Stephanie Eng-Aponte
Stephanie Eng-Aponte is a copywriter for Jenny Craig and has written for the health and wellness, tech, and environmental industries. Stephanie graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Media Studies. They employ an “eat first, write later” approach to food blogging and enjoy the occasional Oxford comma. Outside of writing, you can find them photographing a muttley crew of rescue pups, brewing kombucha, or exploring San Diego.
Favorite healthy snack: green apple slices with sunflower butter
Reviewed by Briana Rodriquez, RDN
Briana is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer for Jenny Craig, based in Carlsbad, California. She is passionate about utilizing food as functional and preventative medicine. Guided by a simplistic and optimistic approach, Briana’s philosophy is to help people improve their health and achieve their goals through the development of sustainable habits to live a healthy life. In her free time, you can find her strength training, indoor cycling, coffee tasting, and at local eateries with her husband and two dogs.
Favorite healthy snack: peanut butter with celery alongside a grapefruit-flavored sparkling water (so refreshing!)
QuoteThis article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles and was written by an experienced health and lifestyle contributor and reviewed by certified professionals.
Our goal at Jenny Craig is to provide the most up-to-date and objective information on health-related topics, so our readers can make informed decisions based on factual content. All articles undergo an extensive review process, and depending on the topic, are reviewed by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Nutritionist, to ensure accuracy.
This article contains trusted sources. All references are hyperlinked at the end of the article to take readers directly to the source.
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