Effect of Gene-based vs. Standard Weight-Loss Recommendations on Anthropometry, Lipid and Glucose Markers, and Dietary Intake: The MyGeneMyDiet Study

BackgroundGene-based nutrition recommendations have emerged as a strategy for weight management, but their effectiveness over standard advice remains uncertain. ObjectiveThis study evaluated MyGeneMyDiet(R) recommendations versus standard advice on anthropometry, biochemical markers, and dietary intake in overweight and obese Filipino adults over 12 months. MethodsIn this 12-month randomized controlled trial, participants received either MyGeneMyDiet(R) or standard advice. Both groups underwent regular nutrition counseling during the active phase (months 0-6) before transitioning to free-living conditions (months 6-12). Primary outcomes included weight, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage; secondary outcomes were dietary intake and biochemical markers. Analyses followed an intention-to-treat approach, with paired t-tests for within-group comparisons and ANCOVA for between-group differences. Sensitivity analyses used Last Observation Carried Forward (LOCF) and Inverse Probability of Attrition Weighting (IPAW) to address loss-to-follow-up. ResultsOf 136 screened, 52 participants (19-59 years) were enrolled (MyGeneMyDiet(R), n = 29; standard recommendation, n = 23), with 27 completing the study (MyGeneMyDiet(R), n = 15; standard recommendation, n = 12). Weight changes over 12 months were minimal, with no substantial differences between groups. At month 6, baseline-adjusted analyses showed no meaningful differences in weight (-0.36 kg [95% CI: -1.77, 1.04]), BMI (0.11 kg/m{superscript 2} [-0.51, 0.73]), waist circumference (-0.27 cm [-2.23, 1.69]), or body fat percentage (0.92% [-0.86, 1.05]). These trends persisted on month 12. While both groups reduced dietary intake, the MyGeneMyDiet(R) group showed greater decreases in total calories (-461 kcal, P = 0.001), protein (-12 g, P = 0.007), carbohydrates (-46 g, P = 0.015), and fat (-22 g, P = 0.014), though between-group differences remained modest. ConclusionsGene-based and standard weight management advice led to comparable weight and metabolic outcomes over 12 months. While gene-based recommendations influenced dietary intake, these changes did not improve anthropometric or biochemical outcomes. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05098899.