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Scientists create genetic diet to fight obesity

Novosibirsk lab proposes to find optimal nutrition geared to a person’s genetic type

NOVOSIBIRSK, November 26 (Itar-Tass) - Scientists in Russia’s Siberian city of Novosibirsk say they have discovered a new way to fight overweight - a diet compliant with a person’s genetic type, the Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) says in a report.

The Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine says the patient has to be examined just once in a lifetime, as genes do not change with years. A specialist analyses the blood sample for nine genetic markers, each of them pointing to the reason for excessive weight. The best effect is possible in testing children, for this allows to shape the right food behavior from the very start.

The scientists have found that some people need intensive physical exercise to maintain the optimal weight, whereas for others it would suffice to refrain from one or two types of products, for instance, coffee, beer or dates. Furthermore, depending on a genetic type, even drinking certain beverages can prevent the development of some kinds of tumors or, in contrast, increase the risk of heart disease.

The Centre of New Medical Technologies told Itar-Tass taking blood tests and getting its interpretation would cost a client 3,500 roubles (about $106). The service is new, so the center's clients have not yet displayed great interest in it yet.

Meanwhile, the Russian Academy of Medical Science has found that 60 percent of women and 50 percent of men above 30 years suffer from overweight, and 30 percent - from obesity. The problem is at its worst in the Siberian Federal District. According to the national research center Healthy Nutrition, the obesity rate almost 1.5 times exceeds the country’s average in Omsk, Novosibirsk, Kemerovo, Irkutsk regions, Altai and Trans-Baikal territories and in Khakassia, Altai Republic and Buryatia.