As a journalist, I’ve always been an inquisitive, science-minded person and one who does a mind-bending amount of research, particularly when it comes to health and nutrition topics. I’ve watched weight loss fads come and go, with few standing up to the rigors of scientific research and even fewer that seem sustainable over the long term, a factor that is critical to weight maintenance. And, full disclosure — I’ve tried a few of them myself. Even keto (spoiler alert: It was a miserable 30 days and I hardly lost any weight!). 

Not long after I finished my keto test, I recounted the experience to my doctor while wondering aloud why it worked for others but not so much for me. “People’s bodies respond differently to different eating plans,” she said. “What works for your friend may not work for you. And what works for you may not work for someone else.”

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash

That made sense, of course, but her statement left me wondering: What, exactly, is it about people’s own personal makeup that makes them respond differently to various weight loss and exercise plans? Why can some people seem to eat copious amounts of carbs and never have a problem with weight gain, while others (like me) can only tolerate low amounts without seeing the scale creep up?

Soon enough, I got my answer: It may very well lie in our DNA.

That’s right. Groundbreaking research has shown that your own unique genetic makeup can influence a number of factors related to weight loss and weight maintenance, including not only how you process carbohydrates, but also fat and protein.^1-2  Your genetics can even influence how well you respond to different types of exercise and how satisfied you’re likely to feel after eating a meal!^3-4 

Lucky for me, I got to test this science directly through Jenny Craig’s DNA Decoder Plan, which analyzes your specific DNA to provide you with a weight loss plan that works with your body to help optimize your results. Read on to learn about how the DNA weight loss program worked for me!
 

Genes: They’re something you’re born with, and there’s nothing you can do to change how they’ll affect your health, right?

Fortunately, there are some simple, yet powerful, lifestyle choices you can make to take charge of your health — and your weight loss.

Now, it’s easier than ever to take a DNA test that could outline your family tree, or even help you to lose weight. A DNA test for weight loss could help you to better understand your likelihood of experiencing certain health concerns, like your overweight risk. But what’s hidden in your genes doesn’t have to be your destiny — a variety of lifestyle factors could have a significant influence on your weight loss, and many of them are in your control.
 

As we head into November, you may be looking forward to Thanksgiving and all the delectable foods and activities that come with it. But this end-of-the-month holiday isn’t the only event that’s notable about November: It’s also National Diabetes Month, the perfect time to arm yourself with knowledge about this disease.  

In honor of this important awareness event, we’ve rounded up some of the best foods that may prevent diabetes from developing in the first place. Read on for information on some common questions about this condition. 

This colorful Thanksgiving cornucopia is as delicious as it is festive! A cornucopia is a symbol of abundance, and our recipe for a crisp waffle cornucopia is overflowing with fresh fruit. This healthy Thanksgiving recipe makes a great breakfast and is the perfect way to start your day.

Each week, we’ll highlight some of our favorite healthy habits and the benefits behind them. We’ll also share a quick and simple tip from Heather Lake, a Jenny Craig Health & Lifestyle Contributor, to help support your weight loss goals and inspire you throughout the day! This 12-week series will focus on everything from how to eat mindfully to delicious ways to incorporate more protein into your meals.

Did you know that your genes may influence more than just your eye and hair color? They can also play a role when it comes to your eating habits and weight loss. Jenny Craig's DNA Decoder Plan tests 15 weight loss-specific markers that will give you insight into how to best support your weight loss efforts. Check them out!