Let your genes tell you how to lose weight
BATON ROUGE, La. (FOX) - If you've been trying to lose weight but can't seem to drop the pounds, the answer you need could be in your DNA.
A Dallas-based company teamed up with Louisiana State University for a new tool. Simplified Genetics says all you have to do is swab your cheek and then send the swab to them.
Scientists will then break it down to its genetic level and find your personal blueprint to a successful diet and exercise routine.
"It's not a theory, it's not a fad, it's not a trend; it is hardcore science" stated Kurt Johnsen of Simplified Genetics. "That's called epigenetics. It's kind of a buzzword right now. It's finding out information about your own genes and creating an environment in which your genes thrive."
The test doesn't come cheap -- it will cost you $500. But it could help you figure out how many carbs, fat, and protein you should be eating and the type of exercising you should be doing.
Alissa Draper volunteered to try it for this story and found out the ultimate plan for her was 40 percent carbs, 35 percent protein and 25 percent fat.
She was also told her workouts need to be 60 percent high intensity and 40 percent steady aerobic. She believes the results make sense.
"I definitely do more aerobic than high-intensity, which would definitely explain the lack of results," she offered. "Not that there weren't any, but it just wasn't readily evident, and it wasn't changing over a time period."
The Food and Drug Administration does not monitor such DNA labs, and results are not guaranteed.
Johnsen says the proof is in hundreds of satisfied customers.