Effect of Direct-to-Consumer Genomewide Profiling to Assess Disease Risk
Cinnamon S. Bloss, Nicholas J. Schork, Eric J. Topol · New England Journal of Medicine (2011)
TL;DR
Genetic testing for disease risk did not change diet, exercise, or anxiety in most people.
What they did
Researchers studied people who used a genetic test to check their risk for diseases. They looked at how the test affected people’s diet, exercise, and mental health over time.
What they found
Most people did not change their diet or exercise habits after the test. Anxiety levels stayed the same. Only a small group had some stress from the test results.
Why it matters
This suggests that genetic testing may not help people change their lifestyle right away. More research is needed to know if it affects health in the long run.
Limits
The study only looked at people who chose to take the test. It did not check long-term health effects. This is general education, not medical advice.
Jargon explained
- Genomewide profiling
- Testing a person's DNA to find risks for diseases.
- Dietary fat
- Fats in the food people eat.
- Test-related distress
- Stress or worry caused by the test results.
Read the original: https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa1011893
Full citation
Cinnamon S. Bloss, Nicholas J. Schork, Eric J. Topol (2011). Effect of Direct-to-Consumer Genomewide Profiling to Assess Disease Risk. New England Journal of Medicine. DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1011893
Open access (bronze): https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa1011893
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Educational information only, not medical or dietary advice. Consult a qualified health professional for personal nutrition guidance.