Exeter employees offered genetic tests to offer personalised dieting advice

Employees of an Exeter company are being offered genetic tests to help them choose the most effective diets and workouts suited to them.
The Landmark Information Group is believed to be the first in the world to offer ‘genetically guided corporate wellness programmes’ in order to keep their workers fit and healthy.
Around 80 people have had their DNA tested at the firm, and given diet and workout advice, in collaboration with DNAFit and Jess Varnish, Commonwealth Games Medallist.
It is thought that the chief of the NHS Simon Stevens will be publishing plans to get companies to help their employees lose weight and live a healthier life.
It was recently found at Aberdeen University’s Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health that there are a series of biomarkers that can be identified within the body to see how individuals react to different foods and diets. The ‘perfect diet’ is so hard to pin down because of the molecular differences between people.
We could soon be seeing a new age of dieting, in which diets are tailored to each individual person to maximise their efficiency, and health.
Moves like this could help to prevent chronic diseases in the future, as efficient dieting and healthy living can help to prevent conditions, such as preventing type 2 diabetes.
But until the world of science fiction comes to life and we can be personally advised what our own bodies need to eat, focus on a healthy, balanced diet and incorporate as much exercise into your weekly routine as possible.