NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) — Weight loss products firm Nutrisystem announced today that it has partnered with Akesogen and Genetic Direction to launch a genetic analysis test designed to provide personalized information on customers' nutrition, metabolisms, and eating behaviors.
Under the new DNA Body Blueprint program, customers provide cheek swabs from which DNA is extracted for SNP genotyping. The resulting data are analyzed to generate individualized weight loss plans that include information on areas such as likelihood of regaining lost weight, obesity risk, cravings for sweet and fatty foods, and nutrient utilization.
Akesogen receives the samples and performs the testing at its lab, and also handles de-identification and secure transfer of customer data. The test data is then sent to Genetic Direction for analysis, and the firm generates a report for Nutrisystem.
"By providing a personalized overview that is the ultimate roadmap for an individual's ongoing nutritional needs, this product delivers on our mission of helping consumers make more informed choices and achieve outcomes that drive overall health," Nutrisystem President and CEO Dawn Zier said in a statement.