Effect of Gene-based vs. Standard Weight-Loss Recommendations on Anthropometry, Lipid and Glucose Markers, and Dietary Intake: The MyGeneMyDiet® Study

  1. Jacus S. Nacis
  2. Jason Paolo H. Labrador
  3. Diana Glades D. Ronquillo
  4. John Chris Rementilla
  5. Marietta P. Rodriguez
  6. Marilou L. Madrid
  7. Ruby D. Frane
  8. Noelle Lyn C. Santos
  9. Aurora Maria Francesca D. Dablo
  10. Julianne Janine V. Carrillo
  11. Mikko Glen Fernandez
  12. Diane Jane V. Fanio
  13. Debbie Ann S. Martirez
  14. Malaya V. Paller
  15. Hannah Sancha S. Monje
  16. Rachelle Mae V. Cabigan
  17. Angela Alexis Bausas
  18. Gyra Marie Agra
  19. Reminda C. Bunhiyan
  20. Fränzel J.B. van Duijnhoven
  21. Gerard Bryan Gonzales
Read the full article See related articles

Listed in

This article is not in any list yet, why not save it to one of your lists.
Log in to save this article

Abstract

Background

Gene-based nutrition recommendations have emerged as a strategy for weight management, but their effectiveness over standard advice remains uncertain.

Objective

This study evaluated MyGeneMyDiet® recommendations versus standard advice on anthropometry, biochemical markers, and dietary intake in overweight and obese Filipino adults over 12 months.

Methods

In this 12-month randomized controlled trial, participants received either MyGeneMyDiet® or standard advice. Both groups underwent regular nutrition counseling during the active phase (months 0–6) before transitioning to free-living conditions (months 6–12). Primary outcomes included weight, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage; secondary outcomes were dietary intake and biochemical markers. Analyses followed an intention-to-treat approach, with paired t-tests for within-group comparisons and ANCOVA for between-group differences. Sensitivity analyses used Last Observation Carried Forward (LOCF) and Inverse Probability of Attrition Weighting (IPAW) to address loss-to-follow-up.

Results

Of 136 screened, 52 participants (19–59 years) were enrolled (MyGeneMyDiet®, n = 29; standard recommendation, n = 23), with 27 completing the study (MyGeneMyDiet®, n = 15; standard recommendation, n = 12). Weight changes over 12 months were minimal, with no substantial differences between groups. At month 6, baseline-adjusted analyses showed no meaningful differences in weight (−0.36 kg [95% CI: −1.77, 1.04]), BMI (0.11 kg/m² [−0.51, 0.73]), waist circumference (−0.27 cm [−2.23, 1.69]), or body fat percentage (0.92% [−0.86, 1.05]). These trends persisted on month 12. While both groups reduced dietary intake, the MyGeneMyDiet® group showed greater decreases in total calories (−461 kcal, P = 0.001), protein (−12 g, P = 0.007), carbohydrates (−46 g, P = 0.015), and fat (−22 g, P = 0.014), though between-group differences remained modest.

Conclusions

Gene-based and standard weight management advice led to comparable weight and metabolic outcomes over 12 months. While gene-based recommendations influenced dietary intake, these changes did not improve anthropometric or biochemical outcomes.

This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05098899 .

Article activity feed

  1. Version published to 10.1101/2025.03.02.25323063v1 on medRxiv