Know your genes. Know yourself.

Appetite and bitter taste genetic testing QUICK FACTS

Your eating behaviours influence how much food you eat and therefore your weight. But what influences your eating behaviours? Many factors influence your eating behaviours; some of these are external and some are internal. Your genes are an internal factor that can influence how much food you want to eatyour appetiteand also the way some foods taste. A simple genetic test can tell you more about these internal influences on eating behaviours.

61.4% OF THE AUSTRALIAN POPULATION IS EITHER OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE*

*RESULTS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTH SURVEY 2007-08

61.4%
OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE

Internal and external influences for eating behaviours

Your weight depends on many factors and it is well known that people respond to diet and exercise in different ways. Your weight can be affected by the various influences on your eating behaviours; some influences are internal and some are external. External influences for eating behaviours include the availability of food, your social setting, cultural considerations, as well as how long it has been since you last ate. Some of your internal influences for your eating behaviours include your mood, hormone levels, personal taste and smell of foods and your genes.

OUR WEIGHT AND APPETITE ARE BOTH AFFECTED BY EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL INFLUENCES. A SIMPLE GENETIC TEST CAN TELL YOU MORE ABOUT THESE INTERNAL INFLUENCES ON EATING BEHAVIOURS.

SIGHT OF FOOD

How do genes affect eating behaviours?

Recent research suggests that if you have certain gene variations that affect your appetite and the way foods taste, this may influence your eating behaviours and you may find it more difficult to achieve a healthy weight than people who dont have these variations. The FTO gene is a well-researched gene with evidence showing it is associated with weight gain and obesity. New research links the FTO gene with energy intake. The research suggests that if you have specific variations in this gene, you may have the tendency to eat more than people without these gene variations. Although variations in the FTO gene influence eating behaviours, they are not thought to be the direct cause for weight gain. It is recommended that people with this gene variation work with their healthcare professional on strategies to modify their eating behaviours to compensate for their genetic influence. However they may need to work harder than other people to reach their healthgoals.

SMELL OF FOOD

FTO
ALONE/WITH FRIENDS

TAS2R38
MOOD

TIME SINCE EATING

Appetite control genetic testing

Genes and bitter taste?

Do you enjoy bitter food and drink such as black coffee or do you add lots of milk and sugar? Research has shown that your ability to taste bitter compounds in foods is determined by your genes and that this may vary between people. Evidence shows that the TAS2R38 gene is responsible for producing certain taste receptors on our tongues that detect bitterness. These taste receptors influence your ability to detect certain bitter flavours in food. Variations in the TAS2R38 gene may cause you to taste bitter flavours more than other people. Or you may have variations that mean you do not taste certain bitter flavours as strongly. The ability to taste bitter flavours may have an influence on the foods you choose and how much you eat of these foods.

Your healthcare professional will explain what these results may mean for your health and you will learn more about how your genetic predisposition can influence your weight and food choices. Knowing more about these influences means that you and your healthcare professional can develop practical strategies to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. For example, if you have genetic variations that increase your appetite, you may be able to use exercise to help reduce your hunger. If you have genetic variations that influence your ability to taste bitter flavours, you may be able to use naturally sweet snacks like fresh fruit and low fat yoghurt to manage cravings for less healthy sweet foods.

Why have a genetic test and what does it involve?

The results from genetic testing, combined with your other health information, help you and your healthcare professional work towards living a healthier life. Information from a genetic test can allow your healthcare professional to make personalised recommendations to improve your health. A genetic test involves rubbing the inside of your mouth with a swab to collect cheek cells that contain your DNA the genetic material that you inherited from both your parents and makes you an individual. Your DNA is then tested in a laboratory to look for certain genes or variations in specific genes that may influence your health. The results are sent back to your healthcare professional to discuss with you and so together you can work on strategies to improve your future health.

Who should have a genetic test for eating behaviours?

Eating behaviours that contribute to being overweight can increase your risk of developing many lifestyle diseases. Having an eating behaviours genetic test may be especially helpful for anyone who: Wants to better understand the influences on their eating behaviours and weight. Wants to take positive steps towards reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. Has a family or personal history of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood cholesterol or high blood pressure. Knowing how your genes may influence your food intake and weight can help you to better understand your body. Your healthcare professional can then make specific health and diet recommendations for you based on your results. These recommendations can help you to manage your health whether you are currently overweight or at a healthy weight.

What should I do next?

If you want to live a healthier life and help prevent health problems from developing in the future, having a appetite control and bitter taste genetic test may help you. To order a test, speak with you local healthcare professional or visit www.mygene.com.au for more information.

What will the results tell me?

Your results will tell you if you have variations in the FTO gene that may influence you to eat more than other people who dont have this variation. Your results will also tell you if you have variations in the TAS2R38 gene that may make you more likely to taste bitter flavours than other people.

Who is MyGene?
MyGene is an Australian-owned and run company that offers genetic testing to individuals through healthcare professionals. A team of experts including geneticists, pharmacists, dietitians, medical specialists and other healthcare professionals develops MyGenes genetic tests and products. MyGene has its own laboratory located in Melbourne, Victoria. Your genetic samples are analysed in this laboratory and then a report is delivered back to your healthcare professional to discuss with you, helping you to make preventative healthcare choices.

Suite 3, Level 2, 199 Toorak Road, South Yarra VIC 3141 1300 MyGene (1300 694 363) ABN: 69784514295

www.mygene.com.au
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