More exercise, looser jeans — what a DNA report did for me

Despite starting a fitness routine of jogging and yoga earlier this year, I had trouble toning up my flabby bits. So it all made sense when I found out that I was genetically prone to a lower lean body mass than most people after receiving a personalised DNA report from Imagene Labs.

According to the report, lower muscle mass is generally related to issues like higher body weight, obesity, impaired protein balance and osteoporosis.

Imagene Labs is the first genetic-driven wellness company in Singapore that has its own lab facility to run genetic tests, which means that clients enjoy a relatively short turnaround time. It took about two weeks for me to receive my DNA report from Imagene Labs after a courier picked up my saliva sample.

Clients may choose from a variety of tests that identify specific genetic markers affecting skin, fitness or nutritional needs. Based on their test results, they receive a personalised report of lifestyle, dietary or exercise recommendations.

“For example, a person with test results that show low lean muscle mass predisposition will need to eat and train differently from someone who doesn’t, if his goal is to lose weight,” said Imagene Labs’ product development director, Alina Uchida.

In my case, I would need to focus on getting more protein into my diet, which I generally struggle with due to my preference for refined carbohydrates such as white rice, bread and noodles.

Three to four sessions of resistance or weight-bearing exercises, instead of cardio, would be my best bet for a leaner body.

Clients may also bundle their wellness genetic test with custom-made facial serums and health supplements. An optional add-on service of a 15-minute phone or Skype consultation session with one of Imagene Labs’ wellness expert is also available.

Separately, my nutrition report also raised an alarming number of genetic predispositions for multiple nutritional deficiencies. Imagene Labs’ nutrition test looks at 30 nutrition traits including vitamin deficiencies, gluten sensitivity and metabolism style.

While these red flags may never actually translate to real adverse health consequences, as some experts have pointed out, the information has certainly made me more selective about my diet and how I exercise.

Since taking up some of the workout and dietary recommendations in my DNA wellness report, my once-snug jeans now feel looser, suggesting I may have lost some belly fat. Although my weight remains unchanged, family members have remarked that I look slightly more toned.

Then again, sceptics would point out that it could be due to the fact that I have stepped up my exercise routine, cut down on refined carbohydrates and increased my protein and vegetable intake — all of which are recommended by the health authorities, without the need for a DNA test. EVELINE GAN