Over a decade ago, a major evolution took place in the fieldof technology. In the mid 90’s, I remember learning the MS-DOS as an operatingsystem for personal computers. My first computer project was using a floppydisk. Times rapidly changed and we went from floppy disks as data storage toCDs, hard drives, jump drives and what not. After a while, I was unable to keepup since I am not a tech savvy person to begin with. I just know that there wasa huge change that happened in the computer world, and soon enough with theworld wide web, people could have their own websites and share theirinformation with the World with great ease. I bring this to your attentionsince I think that the field of Genomics is at that stage now where it will beeasily accessible to the World. My husband, Apurva Patel has worked for TGEN (Translational Genomics Researchinstitute) for almost a decade. He always told me that knowing genomesequencing is the way to Personalized Medicine and 10 years later, I am seeingit for real.

Genome sequencing started as a very complex and an expensiveaffair. A handful of people could have been able to afford it then. 23andME started a genetic service thatwas available for people to access, understand and benefit from the humangenome. A couple years ago, few patients had ordered this test for themselvesand brought in the data to share with me. At that time, the reports lookedcomplex and I did not know what to do with it. Also, initially people thought thatby analyzing their genes, they are going to find out how they are going to die.This reason would not interest medicos like me to do this kind of a test. I aminterested in this type of testing now because I am finding a new twist to it.With the interpretation of the genetic test, one can find out what steps theycan take to promote health and wellness. It is always easy to align with thepositive information rather than the negative. People would rather know howthey can live a good healthy life than know how they would die, by interpretingtheir genes!

Many labs have emerged that are providing a wide variety ofgenetic panels. These include Cardiac Health Panel, Bone Health Panel,Behavioral Health panel etc. You may either choose to order a comprehensivepanel encompassing many different genetic tests and markers or choose to ordera specific panel that you are interested in. I tried out the Weight Management Panel for myself andthe results were spot on. I did this panel through Kashi labs. It was very easy. I had to send in 3 buccal swabs whichtook less than two minutes to swab/collect and package. The results elaboratedthe gene markers tested for and based on the results, recommended food intakegoals for fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, and recommended exerciseintensity.

Weight ManagementPanel by Kashi Labs

Losing and maintaining weight has never seemed harder formany patients. The extra pounds contribute to a myriad of health issues and canalso result in a destructive cycle of shame and self-blame which impedes thehealing process further. With an array of potential diet plans now available,it can be a challenge to know which approach to recommend for each individualpatient.  The Kashi Weight Management Panel takes the guesswork out ofdetermining the right plan by going straight to genetics for the answers. Theirtest provides analysis of genes highly associated with weight gain and elevatedbody mass index (BMI). Using your results, we offer dietary and lifestylerecommendations that are scientifically supported to help get the fastestresults without all the trial-and-error of dieting. For many, a personalizedweight management strategy tailored to their genetic code can make asignificant impact.

Genetic Markers Included in the Weight Management Panel

Ideal Candidates are Patients with the Following Symptoms orConditions:

Poor Results from Prior Dietary Changes

Frequent Cravings and Over-eating

Sedentary Lifestyle

Persistent Weight Gain

High BMI (>25)