I'v always blamed my curly hair, pear-shape figure and cellulite thighs on my parents. I reckon I was born that way - no matter how many blocks I run, or how much water I drink there's just no changing these "defect" genes, right? Turns out I can, with the DNA diet, which has taken the world by storm.

At a recent briefing in Joburg by a company whose business it is to test and decode DNA, I was amazed to learn how understanding my DNA profile can prevent these defective genes from getting the better of me. I decided I wanted to find out more.

WHAT'S INVOLVED

I meet with the CEO of DNAlysis, Dr Daniel Meyersfeld, who has a PhD in molecular and cellular biology, to find out more. To my surprise, testing for my DNA involves only a simple cheek swab - no injections! Dr Meyersfeld explains that everyone has a unique genetic make-up which determines how your body responds to external factors such as food and exercise. I know that no single diet or workout plan is suitable for everyone, but could I be missing out on chocolate for no reason at all? My mother can eat pasta until the cows come home and won't put on any weight, and my sister can drop a couple of kilos just by running on the treadmill. Nothing of the sort happens to me - the smell of pasta makes me gain weight, and I can run until I'm blue in the face and I lose nothing, not even water. According to Dr Meyersfeld, this is because individual genes play a huge role in how your body stores, metabolises and reacts to certain foods and exercise. He says that rather than offer clients a one-size-fits-all solution, he analyses eight genes to tailor-make a diet. By understanding where my genetic weaknesses lie, says Dr Meyersfeld, I'll know what types of food to avoid and what exercise I should include in my routine to counteract the negative effects of these genes on my body.

The swab is sent to the DNA laboratory and the gene analysis will tell me how my body stores fat, whether I have a gene that makes it difficult for me to lose weight (yes there is such a thing, so it's not just the biscuit tin's fault!), what foods I should eat, whether I'm better suited to cardio or weight training, and more. If my results come back and tell me I can't eat carbs and have to do endurance cardio training I think I'm going to cry.

THE VERDICT
A fortnight later I receive an e-mail with a report containing the results of my DNA breakdown. The good news is that the lab didn't pick up any gene variations that would hinder my ability to effectively lose weight. The bad news is that I have a gene profile that makes it difficult for my body to burn fat. What's more I have the gene that may slow my metabolism and actually increase the absorption of dietary fat into my body. But (and here's the clincher), this will be exacerbated if I have a diet high in carbohydrates and saturated fat. (Sigh!) The report advises me to try a GI-smart eating programme, which basically means I need to lower my carbohydrate intake, eat low-GI foods and reduce my saturated fat consumption. Yes, I had little cry and I finally understand why my mother is able to eat her weight in pasta and I can't. I now limit my intake of carbs to about 40 percent a day. My exercise results show that my genetic pattern means I'm not able to burn fat effectively with moderate exercise. No, it would seem I have to hit my workouts with high intensity. On the upside, another gene variation showed that I respond positively to power and strength training - no need to keep up with my sister on the treadmill for hours!

I followed the suggested eating plan for a month (visit www.longevitymag.co.za to see a sample) and was thrilled when I got on the scale and found I had lost two kilos. My energy levels have also soared. I'm sold! •