SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
A recent weight loss study shows that when participants know their genetic make-up, they have greater success losing weight and lowering their Body Mass Index (BMI). The California Schools VEBA - Pathway Genomics Corporation study evaluated weight loss results of 179 overweight California school employees. Results at 6 months showed that when employees took the Pathway Fit genetic test (of approximately 100 different genes and their variants related to sugar and fat metabolism, eating behaviors, best diet, micronutrients, and other parameters), they had significant weight loss success (some lost up to 40 pounds) when compared to employees who had previously tried to lose weight, under similar conditions, without the genetic test.
Both groups of employees worked with a VEBA health coach to help them develop an exercise and nutrition plan, and all received the same standard of care. However, the employees who knew and utilized their genetic-based diets and behaviors obtained greater weight loss (and other positive effects like decreased blood pressure) when compared with employees who had health coaching and standard of care only.
A participant in the study describes, The genetic study helped me change my overall behaviors and food choices and portion control. The understanding of my overall genes and physical health has helped me work more effectively with my VEBA health coach to achieve my weight loss goals.
The studyconducted in partnership with the California Schools VEBA (VEBA), Healthy Adventures Foundation and Pathway Genomics Corporationcollected interim results in January 2012. Principal investigator, Wendy Hileman, CEO, Healthy Adventures Foundation describes, The findings indicate that when participants have more information about their genetic predisposition, especially concerning exercise, eating behaviors, and diets, they have the validation they need to stick to a tailored program for the long haul, rather than quitting early on.
The Pathway Fit report is a health professional (M.D., D.O., N.P.) ordered saliva DNA test, where the participant simply spits in a plastic tube and sends it to Pathways lab to be analyzed. Through the analysis of genes and their variants (mutations)which are expressed in various organs, such as the brain, stomach, gut, muscle, pancreas, and directly in fat tissueparticipants gain insight about how their bodies process sugars, fats, nutrients and vitamins. This rigorous scientifically validated information is included in a detailed report that shows each participant how he or she may respond to a best diet, certain exercises and eating behaviors, traits such as bitter taste and caffeine metabolism, and his or her potential response to certain foods and micronutrients. Recently, there have been a number of double-blinded studies published showing the utility and positive psychological responses by patients of genetic testing for weight loss or nutrigenomic information (eg. Meisel, et al, Obesity, March 2012)
Michael Nova, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Pathway Genomics, whose team developed the test says, The results of this preliminary study corroborate with the results were seeing in other areas of weight loss and personal nutrition management. When participants gain more knowledge about themselves, including understanding their metabolism, eating behaviors and response to exercise, as well as suggestions on the best ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight given their genetic predispositions, it helps lead them to make better health decisions and behavior changes for the long term.
Because the results were so compelling, VEBA, along with its other study partners, applied for a grant from the Allen Foundation to help it continue to roll out the relatively inexpensive Pathway Fit test to additional high-risk employees at participating VEBA school districts.
About the California Schools VEBA
The California Schools VEBA is a trust that offers school districts and employee organizations buying power and the structure to provide control over a variety of benefit issues. Benefits trusts continue to positively influence the quality of care delivered by contracted carriers and their providers.They also help members attain superior health care choices, rate stability, portability, affordability and quality for education employees.Total participation in the trust includes 40 southern California school districts and associations. The trust serves both employees and their dependents, totaling more than 89,000 members. For more information, visit http://www.vebaonline.com
Original post:
Good News for Individuals Struggling with Weight Loss
