‘DNA diet’ against obesity

Here’s good news for big eaters who want to stay slim and healthy— the “DNA diet’’ is on the way.

By 2020, genome-specific diets could help people lose weight who failed other ways, 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.

The DNA diet alone will not make one lose weight, one will still have to exercise.

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

“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 according to the New York Post.

“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.”