ABSTRACT
Introduction: Managing nutrition and lifestyle practices, nutrition phenotypes, and the genome forms the foundation of precision nutrition. Precision nutrition focuses on metabolic variability among individuals, and one approach to achieving its goals is to integrate gene-based nutrition and lifestyle recommendations in nutrition practice. However, scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of such recommendations is limited. This study will examine whether providing nutrition and lifestyle recommendations based on individual genotype can lead to better weight loss, along with reduction in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage among overweight and obese adults. Methods and analysis: A parallel group, single-blind, randomized controlled trial will be conducted. Sixty-two overweight/obese individuals aged 19-59 years old will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the intervention (n = 31) or the control arm (n = 31). Participants in the intervention group will receive the MyGeneMyDiet® Recommendation for Weight Management, a gene-based nutrition and lifestyle recommendation that was developed based on existing evidence of the effects of FTO rs9939609 on body weight, BMI, and physical activity; UCP1 rs1800592 on calorie intake; and TCF7L2 rs7903146 on dietary fat intake. Participants in the control group will receive the standard recommendations for weight management. The primary outcomes will be the differences in weight, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage between arms in both the active phase (6 months) and inactive phase (last 6 months) of the trial. Participants in both arms will be evaluated at baseline and in months 3, 6, 9, and 12. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first gene-based intervention that will adopt a phase of intensive nutrition counseling, followed by a simulation of a free-living state to determine adherence to a gene-based recommendation. This study will contribute to the future implementation of precision nutrition interventions by providing evidence on the effectiveness of a gene-based nutrition and lifestyle recommendation for weight loss. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier [NCT05098899].
ABSTRACT
Advances in nutritional genomics are intended to revolutionize nutrition practice. A basic understanding of nutritional genomics among nutritionist-dietitians is critical for such advancements to occur. As a precedent to the development and integration of gene-based nutrition advice, this study aimed to assess hospital-based nutritionist-dietitians' perceptions of nutritional genomics. A total of ten focus group discussions (FGDs) with sixty-one registered nutritionist-dietitians (RNDs) from hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR), Philippines, were conducted from October to November 2019. Data were collected using a pretested semistructured discussion guide, and thematic analysis was subsequently performed. Diverging perceptions about nutritional genomics were noted among the FGD participants. Five themes emerged relating to the enablers and barriers of gene-based nutrition advice: training and capacity building, the extent of information to be disclosed, cost, ethical considerations, and government support. Themes related to the desired features of the gene-based nutrition advice included being consent-driven, cost-effective, technology-oriented, and guided by standards. The results of this study suggest that training and continued learning will equip RNDs to provide nutrition advice based on genetic information. However, other factors, such as cost and ethical considerations, are critical dimensions that need to be acknowledged and addressed before integrating gene-based advice into nutrition practice.
