Q: How does DNA affect weight and weight loss?

Some of the factors that affect your weight – including your appetite, fitness levels, and ability to lose weight and keep it off – are genetic. Being aware of these genetic predispositions may help you decide what type of weight management strategy is best suited to your goals. With that said, biology is not destiny, and your genes are only part of the picture. Factors such as your eating habits, level of physical activity, and age also play a huge role in your weight. When you’re looking for an effective weight management strategy, you should take all of these factors into account – and consult with a doctor or nutritionist before embarking on any new diet program.

Q: How accurate are DNA weight loss kits?

A DNA test looks at specific genetic markers in your DNA that have been shown to be associated with various physical and physiological traits. DNA tests are able to interpret these markers pretty accurately and tell you what they mean. While n o DNA test is 100% accurate, the companies listed here use the latest science and accredited labs.

Question 1

How does DNA affect weight and weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Some of the factors that affect your weight – including your appetite, fitness levels, and ability to lose weight and keep it off – are genetic. Being aware of these genetic predispositions may help you decide what type of weight management strategy is best suited to your goals.

With that said, biology is not destiny, and your genes are only part of the picture. Factors such as your eating habits, level of physical activity, and age also play a huge role in your weight. When you’re looking for an effective weight management strategy, you should take all of these factors into account – and consult with a doctor or nutritionist before embarking on any new diet program.

Question 2

Can a DNA test help you lose weight?

Accepted Answer

A DNA test by itself can’t help you lose weight, but it can help you formulate a diet and weight loss plan that’s tailored to your specific genetic traits. This helps you make the most of your weight loss efforts and lets you manage your weight and fitness long term.

Question 3

How accurate are DNA weight loss kits?

Accepted Answer

A DNA test looks at specific genetic markers in your DNA that have been shown to be associated with various physical and physiological traits. DNA tests are able to interpret these markers pretty accurately and tell you what they mean. While no DNA test is 100% accurate, the companies listed here use the latest science and accredited labs.

Question 4

What sort of things do DNA weight loss kits measure?

Accepted Answer

DNA weight loss kits can explore factors such as the speed of your metabolism, your genetic likelihood of being overweight, whether you’re genetically predisposed to experience food cravings, and how quickly you may regain weight after weight loss. The reports can also give you insights into how your body responds to exercise and whether you could potentially have a vitamin deficiency.

Question 5

Can a DNA test tell you what to eat?

Accepted Answer

No DNA test will give you a complete diet plan. But, depending on the test you take, your results may include recommendations for foods that meet the nutritional needs of your genes. These foods might be recommended based on what your body responds to best for weight loss, or what your body needs based on deficiencies. A test like LivingDNA can tell you exactly which foods to include in your diet, and which ones to drop out.

Question 6

Does insurance cover the cost of DNA weight loss kits?

Accepted Answer

Insurance does not typically cover the cost of DNA weight loss test kits.  That said, you should get in touch with your insurance provider to fully understand your options.

Question 7

What is the best DNA weight loss kit?

Accepted Answer

There are many DNA tests available to facilitate weight loss. The one that works best for you will depend on your personal preferences and goals. All of the tests on this list meet our high expectations for accuracy, thoroughness, and actionable insight.

Our top choice overall though, has to be Living DNA. It gives you the most comprehensive results, with a detailed look at which foods to include to help with weight loss, what to avoid, where you have deficiencies, and how your body metabolizes certain foods.

Question 8

What are common STD symptoms in women?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of physical symptoms that can indicate an STD in women, they include:

Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
Blood in urine
Need to urinate more frequently
Sores or bumps on the vagina, rectal, or oral areas
Unusual vaginal discharge
Unusual bleeding from the vagina
Itching in the vaginal area
Lower abdominal pain
Swollen and sore lymph nodes in the groin and elsewhere
Fever
Rash on the hands, feet, and torso

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should get an STD test as soon as possible. It’s also important to remember that STDs don’t always cause symptoms. So if you have had unprotected sex or engaged in any activity that could result in the contraction of an STD, you should get screened for common infections immediately.

Question 9

What STD can cause a woman to bleed?

Accepted Answer

There are several STDs that can cause a woman to bleed irregularly between periods. They include chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can lead to spotting and bleeding during or after sex.

Although bleeding and spotting between periods may be nothing to worry about, it’s still important to get an STD test for swift treatment, if necessary, and to keep up to date with Pap smear testing.

Question 10

What causes STDs in females?

Accepted Answer

There are three main causes of STDs in women:

Bacterial infection – Such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
Viral infection – Including herpes simplex, hepatitis B, HPV, and HIV/AIDS
Parasites – As in cases of trichomoniasis vaginalis, crab lice, and scabies mites

There are a number of ways that a woman may contract an STD, including:

Unprotected sexual intercourse or other sexual activity
Sharing contaminated needles or using contaminated tattooing or body piercing equipment

A key part of STD prevention is regular testing – at least once a year – as this prevents the spread of infection between partners and enables you to get swift treatment to avoid complications.

Question 11

Who is more likely to get an STD, males or females?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the biological risk of catching an STD or HIV is higher in females than males. Plus, there is more probability of men passing on STDs to women than vice versa.

This is because the lining of the vagina is more delicate and thinner and it has a larger surface area than the skin of the penis, making women more vulnerable to sexual secretions and the infections they may contain. Plus, the ecosystem of the vagina is very friendly for bacteria, both the good and the bad.

In addition, women are more likely to be asymptomatic. Many STDs in women –particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea – often don’t present with physical symptoms. Also, women may confuse noticeable changes with a yeast infection or urinary tract infection (UTI).

It doesn’t just come down to biology; research suggests that ownership of getting tested often falls on women. Men are much more likely to never have been tested and less likely to have been recently screened for STDs.

This means that it’s so much more important for women to keep up with regular sexual health checkups. The companies mentioned on this list, such as LetsGetChecked and 247Labkit, offer the best at-home STD tests for women with affordable pricing, discreet delivery, and fast results, making it easy for women to take ownership and care of their sexual health.

Question 12

What are the common STDs in females?

Accepted Answer

The most common STDs in females include:

HPV – There are over 40 types of HPV, many of which are fairly harmless, but high-risk strains can cause genital warts and even result in cervical cancer.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea – Bacterial infections that often transmit together, but only show symptoms in 20 to 25% of women. Therefore, it’s so important for women to get regularly tested. MyLAB Box has an excellent chlamydia and gonorrhea test for just $79.
Herpes – It’s so common because it’s very easy to catch, taking just skin-to-skin contact of affected areas. Plus, blisters don’t need to be visible for the virus to pass on to others.
Syphilis – It’s important to catch syphilis early, because if it reaches the fourth and final stage, it can cause organ, brain, and nerve damage.
Trichomoniasis – Caused by a tiny parasite and only generates symptoms in 30% of women. Retesting after three months of treatment is important to ensure no parasites remain.
HIV/AIDS – Not only spread through unprotected sex, HIV can also transmit through infected needles. If you’re worried about your HIV status, STDcheck.com and HealthLabs offer early detection HIV tests.

Question 13

How to test for STDs in females?

Accepted Answer

The samples required depend on what STD you want to be tested for. They include:

Blood (finger prick)
Vaginal swab
Rectal swab
Oral or throat swab
Urine

All the at-home STD tests on this list come with easy-to-follow instructions, so you can complete your test in a few minutes in the privacy of your own home and send it back the same day.

Question 14

Can pregnant women get tested for STDs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and they absolutely should! Pregnant women are just as susceptible to STDs as any other woman, and these diseases can have serious implications for the unborn baby. For example, several STDs – including chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C – have been linked to premature birth. Plus, mothers could pass on STDs to the babies, either during pregnancy or during vaginal delivery.

Screening for HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia, and syphilis is usually carried out during your first prenatal visit. But if you are pregnant, you should also get tested for other common STDs, such as gonorrhea and hepatitis C, at least once during your pregnancy. Any high-risk sexual activity during pregnancy should also be followed up by an STD test, even if you have previously been tested.

Most of the companies on this list, including LetsGetChecked and Everlywell, provide a single kit that tests for a number of the most common STDs, which would be very valuable for pregnant women.

Question 15

How long does a DNA test take?

Accepted Answer

Most DNA tests can take between 2-6 weeks to get your results. The time it takes is usually relative to how detailed your report is, so the lengthier your report, the longer you’re waiting. Sometimes it can even take up to 8 weeks.

The only real exception is STD tests. These usually send your results in a matter of days, and in some cases, less than 24 hours. That means you can get the treatment you need sooner rather than later.

Question 16

Does AncestryDNA have any deals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AncestryDNA is only offering pre-Black Friday deals at the moment, but you can still grab a great discount. You can save $100 on Ancestry’s 6-month subscriptions with its latest deal.

Question 17

Does 23andMe have a sale?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 23andMe is offering 20% off when you buy more than one kit as its latest deal. Keep an eye on this page for the latest 23andMe deals.

Question 18

What is the most accurate DNA test available?

Accepted Answer

No test is 100% accurate, so it’s important to remember that you could always get some inaccuracies. However, every test we recommend has at least 99% accuracy, so it’s very rare. Our top choice is AncestryDNA because it surpassed our expectations in our testing review, and it has some of the best testing kits around. If you want to check it out for yourself before you buy, read our detailed AncestryDNA review.

Question 19

Are dog DNA tests accurate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as you choose the right one. If you choose an unreputable service, not only are your results likely to be incorrect, but it’s a complete waste of your money, too. We only ever recommend dog DNA tests with 95% or more accuracy, so you know you can always rely on the results.

Remember that no test is 100% accurate and there’s always a possibility of some incorrect information.

Question 20

Which dog DNA test is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Usually, this depends on the size of their database, especially how many breeds they have and the number of genetic markers they screen for.

All of the tests in this list offer 99.9% accuracy, aside from DNA My Dog which has 95-99% accuracy due to their smaller database. While Embark screens for over 350 breed types, DNA My Dog only screens for 95, so it’s likely you’ll yield a less detailed result. It doesn’t mean it’s not accurate, but more breeds mean more chance of finding your dog’s correct genetic makeup.

Remember that the accuracy of your results also depends on the quality of your sample. It’s really important to follow the instructions properly to make sure your sample can be tested as required.

Question 21

What will a dog DNA test tell you?

Accepted Answer

A dog DNA test can provide you with all kinds of useful information, such as:

Whether your dog has any allergies
Your dog’s personality traits, characteristics, and physical attributes
Your dog’s optimal nutritional profile and ideal weight
Which breeds are in your dog’s genetic makeup and how this influences their health and behavior
Any health conditions your dog is at risk of or may carry genetic variants for
Your dog’s family tree, usually tracing back to their great grandparents

Question 22

What are the cheapest prices for dog DNA tests?

Accepted Answer

You have loads of dog DNA test deals to choose from.

Right now, Embark has the biggest discount with $50 off their health and breed identification kit. You can accurately identify your dog’s breed, learn about possible health risks, see their family tree, and even use the canine relative finder to trace their ancestors.

Question 23

Which is better, Embark or Wisdom Panel?

Accepted Answer

There are pros and cons to both Embark and Wisdom Panel, and both tests are equally great. Wisdom Panel can turn your results around quicker than Embark, with only a 2-3 week wait (compared to 3-5 with Embark), and you still get all the breed and health information you need. But Embark’s sample collection takes you less time, as there’s only one swab. Both tests screen for 350+ breed types to give you an accurate result.

Embark has its very own canine relative finder to find your dog’s ancestors, and it traces their paternal and maternal lines. Wisdom Panel offers a free phone call with a veterinarian, though, if your dog’s health screening shows they’re at risk of anything.

Question 24

How long does it take for chlamydia to show up positive on a test?

Accepted Answer

You can get tested for chlamydia as little after 24 hours after exposure, as tests screen for the presence of bacteria from a genital swab or urine sample. However, for an accurate result and to reduce the risk of a false negative, you should wait two weeks after unprotected sex before having a chlamydia test.

Question 25

Is there an over-the-counter STD test?

Accepted Answer

There are a few places that may stock over-the-counter STDs tests, such as CVS and Walgreens. However, the selection of tests is usually limited to just a few STDs and you forego your anonymity, by having to ask a salesperson for the test kit.

Question 26

Is it possible to get same-day STD results?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible to get same-day results for certain STDs, but they’re only available in a select number of STD clinics or private practices. However, these same-day tests are often expensive and require a visit to the clinic – if there is even a clinic providing this service near you – which won’t provide the same level of privacy as the STD providers on this list. For example, to visit one of these clinics, you need to provide identification, answer personal questions, and the results of the same-day STD tests may show up on your medical report.

The companies on this list specialize in private and discreet STD testing. Plus STDCheck.com issue results in as little as 24 hours, which is great if you want a swift diagnosis and the ability to start treatment immediately.

Question 27

How quickly do STDs show up in tests?

Accepted Answer

Not all STDs show up in tests at the same time and if you test for an STD too soon after exposure, it can result in a false positive. For accurate results, you need to test for STDs after the window period is over, which is when STDs can be detected in blood, urine, and genital swab samples. The windows for the most common STDs are:

Chlamydia – 1 to 5 days
Gonorrhea – 2 to 6 days
Syphilis – 2 to 6 weeks
Hepatitis A – 2 to 7 weeks
Hepatitis B – 6 weeks
Hepatitis C – 8 to 9 weeks
Herpes Type I and II – 4 to 6 weeks
HIV (antibody test) – 1 to 3 months
HIV (RNA test for early detection) – 9 to 11 days
Trichomoniasis – 5 to 28 days

Question 28

Do positive STD results take longer?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes positive results can take longer to come back from the lab, and some tests take longer to process than others. However, with all the companies on this list, you&rsquo;ll receive your results as quickly as possible, delivered all at once if you have tested for multiple STDs, in your secure online account.

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