Researchers have recently confirmed what many have long suspected: Genetic makeup can affect the way in which the human body responds to diet and exercise. Additionally, for any particular individual, it can pinpoint the type of exercise most likely to help.

To start with some immutable facts:
1. Regardless of the effort expended, not everyone will become a world-class athlete.
2. A person's DNA can foster a tendency to pack on excess pounds.
3. Different people will respond to identical diet and exercise regimes with varying degrees of success.
4. Genetic variables can predict what type of exercise will best help a person lose weight.

Weight Gain and FTO
Some consider a specific variant of FTO (a gene commonly linked to obesity) to be one of the likeliest genetic markers for obesity. The good news is that those who possess it are precisely the ones who stand to gain the most from physical exercise. To achieve the greatest benefit, however, they should ensure that those workouts are of the appropriate variety.

DNA and the Perfect Exercise Type
Research has uncovered about 30 genetic variations that indicate a person's ability to respond well to physical exercise. Some of these markers can also help to determine whether power or endurance exercise will do the most good. The genes ACTN3 and ACE in particular appear to have the biggest effect on whether a person will derive more benefit from power or endurance activities. Those who receive two good copies of these genes will have the best shot at success.

ACTN3: The Power Gene
The ACTN3 gene and its two alleles, the stronger R and the weaker X, determine the body's ability to produce alpha-actinen-3. This protein affects the performance of fast-twitch muscle fiber, and its two variants in combination dictate the strength of the effect.

Specifically, individuals who have inherited:
- Two copies of the R allele will benefit most from power exercise.
- One copy each of R and X will do better with endurance training.
- Two copies of the X variant will succeed less quickly with either type of workout.

ACE: The Endurance Gene
ACE regulates the body's production of angiotensin, a hormone that affects the flow of blood through the body. Combinations of its two alleles, the D and the less-active I, predict the efficacy of any particular exercise type.

Those who possess:
- Two copies of the D allele will do best with power exercise.
- One copy each of D and I will benefit more from endurance routines.
- Two copies of the I allele will have to work harder to gain as much from either type of activity.

Maximizing Genetic Inheritance
While diet is always an important component of any weight-loss program, a knowledge of genetic makeup can help any individual choose the form of exercise that will best assist in achieving the desired result.

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