How DNA Testing Can Improve Your Health and Fitness

With the proliferation of health technology such as wearables, people have immediate access to vital health-related information. According to a report by Business Insider Intelligence, over 80% of consumers claim they would be willing to wear fitness-related technologies. This data is most useful when interpreted through the lens of what makes each person unique: their genes.

Personalized DNA reports take individual genetic makeup into account, which is where DNA testing starts to play a very important role in health and fitness optimization.

Developing Deeper Insight

Scientists and universities have long been working to make new DNA-related discoveries. Faculty at the Health and Medical Sciences division at the University of Copenhagen discovered that some cells can thrive and multiply in a stressful environment, and the DNA replication mechanism of these cells could result in new cancer treatments.

Scientists at Australia's Garvan Institute of Medical Research confirmed a new DNA structure called the i-motif inside living human cells. This intercalated structure had never before been observed inside a living cell and may play an important role in how and when certain genes are activated or silenced. The implications for personalized medicine and gene therapy are significant.

As new discoveries emerge, the ability to apply DNA insights to health and fitness decisions continues to grow. Maryville University's online students pursuing exercise science degrees are already being trained to integrate these genomic findings into practical fitness programming.

Personalized Nutrition and Weight Management

As discussed in our blog post 'Get Personalized Weight Loss DNA Reports to Get Your Pre-Quarantine Body Back', a one-size-fits-all approach to dieting is ineffective due to genetic variations between individuals. Particular tendencies are written into your DNA, as are genetic conditions and predispositions that can influence your traits and habits. This includes your ability to gain weight, detoxify chemicals, and metabolize food.

DNA nutrition apps, such as Nourish by Toolbox Genomics and DNA Diet by GeneInformed, available through Sequencing's Partner Marketplace, provide each person with a personalized weight and nutrition plan based on their genetic makeup. The reports cover a wide range of factors and advise on how to achieve specific goals, such as weight loss, through a clear and individualized plan.

Making Informed Decisions About Exercise

The same personalization applies to exercise plans. Trainers and other health professionals can now use DNA analysis to understand how a person's body is likely to respond to different types of training, recovery protocols, and nutritional approaches. Rather than a trial-and-error process, genetic data provides a starting point that is specific to each individual.

It is a lifelong process of learning about your body, and your DNA acts as a guide. The combination of wearable technology, DNA testing, and licensed health professionals creates a powerful framework for personalized wellness.

Head of Future of Consumption at the World Economic Forum, Zara Ingilizian, notes that greater personalization leads to greater overall wellness, and precision technological tools allow individuals to make thoughtful decisions both in the short and long term.

Get Started With DNA Health and Fitness Analysis

If you have already taken a DNA test through 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or another provider, you can upload your raw DNA data to Sequencing for free and access health, nutrition, and fitness analysis apps through the Partner Marketplace.

For the most comprehensive genetic picture, Sequencing's whole genome sequencing reads 100% of your DNA across over 30,000 genes.