Assessing the effectiveness of actionable nutrigenomics and lifestyle genomics interventions for weight management in clinical practice: A critical, scoping review with directions for future research

Justine Horne; Jason Gilliland; Janet Madill

doi:10.1177/0260106020928667

Assessing the effectiveness of actionable nutrigenomics and lifestyle genomics interventions for weight management in clinical practice: A critical, scoping review with directions for future research

Nutr Health. 2020 Sep;26(3):167-173. doi: 10.1177/0260106020928667. Epub 2020 Jun 5.

Authors

Justine Horne^{1

2

3}, Jason Gilliland^{3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10}, Janet Madill^{5

11}

Affiliations

¹ Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London,.ON, Canada.
² The East Elgin Family Health Team, Aylmer, ON, Canada.
³ Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
⁴ Department of Geography, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
⁵ Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
⁶ School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
⁷ Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
⁸ Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
⁹ Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
¹⁰ Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
¹¹ School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College at Western University, London, ON, Canada.

PMID: 32500817
DOI: 10.1177/0260106020928667

Abstract

Background: The use of nutrigenomics and lifestyle genomics in clinical practice has the potential to optimize weight-related outcomes for patients.

Aim: A scoping review was conducted to summarize and evaluate the current body of knowledge related to the effectiveness of providing DNA-based lifestyle advice on weight-related outcomes, with the aim of providing direction for future research.

Method: Primary studies were included if they were written in English, evaluated weight-related and/or body mass index and/or body composition outcomes, and provided participants with an actionable genetic-based lifestyle intervention; interventions that only provided information on genetic risk for diseases/conditions were excluded. Data was extracted from each article meeting inclusion criteria (N=3) and the studies were critically appraised for methodological limitations.

Results: Research in this area is promising, but limited. Specific limitations relate to study designs, the nature of the recommendations provided to participants, small (underpowered) sample sizes, the use of self-reported weight/BMI data and lack of consideration of important confounding factors.

Conclusions: Therefore, the effectiveness of nutrigenomics and lifestyle genomics interventions for weight management in clinical practice cannot yet be conclusively determined. Recommendations for future research are detailed in the present manuscript.

Keywords: Nutrigenomics; lifestyle genomics; nutrigenetics; nutrition; obesity; overweight; physical activity.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Body Mass Index
Body Weight*
Genomics* / trends
Humans
Life Style*
Nutrigenomics* / trends