Genetics' role in weight and appetite

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Yael Joffe, a leading expert in nutrigenomics who speaks internationally at conferences on translating the science of genetics into clinical practice. She holds a PhD in nutrigenomics from the University of Cape Town, where her research focused on the genetics of obesity.

I met Yael earlier this fall and decided to invite her on the podcast to explore the growing field of lifestyle genetics. In our conversation today, we dive into the effects of nutrigenomics, nutrition genetics, and SNPs, which she refers to as spelling changes in our DNA. We cover genetic testing in the industry, red flags, DNA health, and her polygenic approach to weight loss resistance. We also discuss both perimenopause and menopause from the perspective of genetics and epigenetics, and the role of insulin signalling and glucose.

Yael’s insights are deeply informative. Her pioneering work on 36 metabolic pathways and her ability to make complex genetic information accessible and actionable make this a truly invaluable conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

• Women and gaining weight after starting HRT

• Neurotransmitters and what they reveal about mood, anxiety, and addiction tendencies

• Why do certain people break down dopamine and serotonin either too fast or too slowly?

• How touch and genuine connection can switch on feel-good genes

• Sunlight, weather, and environment affect genetic expression.

• What acupuncture and infrared therapies do at the gene level

• Why hormones are only part of the picture when addressing midlife weight gain

• How glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity shift through menopause

• Dr. Joffe’s polygenic testing model connects multiple pathways rather than single genes

• How Yael’s approach to genetic testing differs from that of others in the field

Bio: YAEL JOFFE, PhD 

Yael is globally recognized as a leading expert in nutrigenomics. In 2000, she was part of the team that built the first lifestyle genetics test, and since then has been responsible for creating many others. She is the author of four books: The Power of Genetics, It’s Not Just Your Genes, Genes to Plate, and SNP Journal. Yael has been published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals, hosts the Power of Genetics podcast, and is a highly regarded speaker in genetics. Yael built the first online nutrigenomics platform for clinician education and has developed and supervised genomics courses around the world. She has trained thousands of healthcare practitioners globally, also teaching at Rutgers University and the Maryland University of Integrative Health. In 2018, Yael founded 3X4 Genetics and now serves as its Chief Science Officer.   

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