Introduction
Genetics plays a key role in many aspects of our health, including how efficiently our metabolism works. The speed at which we burn calories, how our body processes fats, or how we respond to different types of exercise is influenced, among other things, by genetic factors. Scientific studies confirm that genetic variability can affect weight loss ability, muscle gain, and nutrient absorption. In this article, we’ll explore how genetics affects metabolism and how to adapt both diet and exercise accordingly.
🧬 How Does Genetics Affect Metabolism?
Metabolism is the sum of biochemical reactions that convert food into energy. Its rate is influenced by factors such as age, sex, physical activity, environment, and of course genetics. Some people have a genetic profile that supports faster calorie burning even at rest, while others are genetically predisposed to a slower metabolism. Genetics also affects which nutrients our body needs, how efficiently we can process them, and how certain enzymes function.
Sources:
- Frontiers in Nutrition, 2024
- https://www.clinicaterapeutica.it/2023/174/6-Suppl/23_834_Madeo.pdf
- https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/ddv263 https://academic.oup.com/hmg/article/24/R1/R93/671706
- https://doi.org/10.1080/10408399309527631
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/C314352C57A9018EE9794D681478BE48/S0001566000004906a.pdf/resting-metabolic-rate-in-monozygotic-and-dizygotic-twins.pdf
⚖️ Weight Loss and Genetics
The body’s response to diet or exercise is not just a matter of willpower—genetic predispositions can influence how the body responds to different diets and types of physical activity. That’s why it’s important to remember that a diet or workout plan that works for one person may not be equally effective for another. However, lifestyle still plays a stronger role in weight loss than genetics—it just needs to be tailored to each person’s unique needs.
Source: Human Genomics, 2024
🌾 Allergies and Intolerances: Genetic Background
Food allergies
These arise as an overreaction of the immune system to normally harmless substances called allergens. Genetics influences the strength of the immune response, and if allergies run in the family, the likelihood of inheriting them is higher.
Intolerances (e.g., lactose, gluten)
Lactose intolerance is linked to a deficiency or dysfunction of the lactase enzyme, which breaks down lactose into simpler sugars. Celiac disease, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition strongly associated with HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes.
Sources:
☕ Metabolism of Caffeine and Alcohol
Certain genetic variants affect how quickly your body breaks down caffeine and alcohol. This explains why some people can drink coffee late at night without trouble, while others are sensitive even to small amounts. Similar genetic differences apply to alcohol metabolism and tolerance.
Sources:
- Genetics of caffeine consumption and responses to caffeine, PubMed Central®
- The Genetics of Alcohol Metabolism, PubMed Central®
- https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12103118 https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/10/3118
🍊 Nutrient, Vitamin, and Mineral Absorption
Genetics influences how well the body absorbs nutrients like vitamin D, iron, or vitamin B. Some people have genetic advantages that allow them to absorb certain substances more efficiently. Others, however, may suffer from deficiencies that affect immunity, disease risk, energy, or mood.
Sources:
- Nutrients, MDPI
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10119805/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1769721214001931?via%3Dihub
- https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/internalmedicine1992/41/10/41_10_762/_pdf/-char/en
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7859200/
🏋️ How to Adapt Exercise to Your Genetics?
Many factors influence physical performance—sex, age, nutrition, and also genetics. Your genetic profile not only affects metabolic rate but also the dominant type of muscle fibers, recovery ability, and how effective different training methods are.
Endurance training
Genetics can influence performance in aerobic activities such as running or cycling. This type of exercise supports fat burning and strengthens the cardiovascular system.
Strength training
People with a genetic predisposition for muscle growth will gain muscle mass faster through resistance training. Still, strength training is highly beneficial for everyone—more muscle = higher resting metabolism = more calories burned even at rest.
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
For those who burn fat efficiently during short bursts of effort, HIIT is an ideal choice. It stimulates the so-called EPOC effect—increased oxygen consumption and calorie burning even after exercise. HIIT also improves VO2 max, one of the key indicators of longevity.
Sources:
- Journal of Sports Medicine
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29691431/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5983157/
- https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/46/8/555.long
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10721680/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11035584/
