The ‘DNA diet’ could be a game-changer for losing weight – The Times (subscription)

Here’s good news for big eaters fighting the battle of the budge — the “DNA diet’’ is on the way.

By 2020, genome-specific diets could help people lose weight even if they’ve tried one plan after another with no success, researchers report in the journal Obesity.

“Although a genetic basis for obesity and body composition has been well established, family and twin studies also provide evidence that a person’s genetic makeup plays a role in response to weight loss or gain,” the researchers wrote.

Scientists have made huge strides in recent years connecting DNA to weight struggles, according to ­researchers.

“I think within five years, we’ll see people start to use a combination of genetic, behavioral and other sophisticated data to develop individualized weight-management plans,” said lead author Molly Bray, a geneticist and professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Texas at Austin.

Couch potatoes note: The DNA diet alone will not make you lose weight — you’ll still have to exercise.

But such a diet could give people new hope in finding the right foods to keep the pounds off permanently.

“We are pretty good at helping people lose weight in the short term,” Bray said.

“But the stats on long-term weight loss are pretty dismal. We still don’t ­understand the process of weight regain very well, ­either from a behavioral or a biological standpoint.”

With America fighting a losing war against obesity, the professor said doctors and nutritionists need ­every weapon to help patients maintain their healthy and optimal weight.

About one-third of Americans are considered overweight.

“Obesity is one of the gravest problems of our times,” Bray said.

“Obviously, prevention would be the best approach, but there are literally millions of individuals who are currently obese and are in dire need of strategies for long-term weight loss that will ultimately improve overall health.”