The impact of a reduced calorie, macronutrient diet change on Caucasian males in relation to genotypes associated with obesity, increased BMI and dietary response.

Obesity is a growing crisis within the 1st world and the causes of obesity are well studied: a lack of physical activity combined with an increased calorie intake. This energy imbalance leads to fat accumulation leading to eventual obesity. Whilst the cause may appear clear, the options of lifestyle change and/or diet planning that is efficient with effective sustainability has been harder to come by. Genetic variants linked to obesity may hold clues on how to best customise a diet plan to an individual leading to an easier to change lifestyle with better sustainability. This study aimed to find correlations with a diet change that decreased kcal intake by 200kcal per day with a macronutrient alteration (decreased carbohydrates and increased unsaturated fat) and genetic components to discover responders and non-responders. Within the study group of Caucasian males the genes TCF7L2, TFAP2B, PPARG2 and FTO all impacted the response of the dietary intervention. In conclusion it would be prudent to consider DNA analysis as part of a battery of diet and lifestyle tests to personalise a sustainable and effective lifestyle/dietary intervention to help control weight.