Does DNA testing hold the key to getting fitter?

A new study which could revolutionise the way people get fit will explore if workout routines would be more effective if they were based around someone’s DNA.

A team of academics from the University of Essex’s School of Sports Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences will be teaming up with sports nutrition firm, Bio-Synergy, to establish if a fitness regime tailored to genetics provides better results than a more holistic get-fit routines.

Led by Drs Chris McManus, Henry Chung and Sally Waterworth, the study will see a diverse range of participants use Bio-Synergy’s non-invasive, at-home DNA testing kits.

The participants will then take part in specific fitness regimes and be given nutritional advice, based entirely on the results of their DNA tests.

Improvements or changes to their fitness and health will be monitored using state-of-the-art equipment based in Essex’s Human Performance Unit.

Bio-Synergy hope empirical data on DNA-based workouts will not only change the way people think about their fitness regimes, but increase its commercial output.

Dr Chris McManus said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Bio-Synergy on this pioneering project. Combining our research expertise with the innovative approach of Bio-Synergy, we aim to break new ground in personalised health and fitness.

“This research is crucial as it seeks to validate the efficacy of non-invasive DNA test kits in tailoring exercise and dietary plans to individual genetic profiles.

"We hope that this project will not only enhance our understanding of personalised fitness but also pave the way for future studies and applications that can significantly improve people's health and well-being.”

The research project is being funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council through its Impact Accelerator Accounts Engagement Fund.

The fund allows research organisations such as universities to respond to impact opportunities in more flexible, responsive and creative ways.

Daniel Herman, Founder and CEO at Bio-Synergy said: “As pioneers in sports nutrition we are committed to research and working with the talented team at the University of Essex we are excited to see how a hyper-personalised approach to nutrition and fitness may facilitate an individual’s progress.”