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.

Question 29

What is Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry?

Accepted Answer

Jewish heritage is broken down into several different subgroups, based on the geographic locations where those cultures took root and flourished. The Ashkenazi subgroup is the term used for the Jewish population which consolidated in Eastern Europe after the Middle Ages.

Question 30

What genetic diseases and health risks do Ashkenazi Jews face?

Accepted Answer

Due to the unique migratory and inbreeding patterns of the Ashkenazi Jewish culture, Ashkenazi DNA holders are particularly at risk for a variety of congenital diseases. The most common is Gaucher disease — a buildup of fat in various organs like the spleen and liver. Other diseases that commonly affect the Ashkenazi community are Cystic Fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

If you do discover you have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, you may want to learn your carrier status for the genes associated with these congenital diseases. 23andMe’s Ancestry + Health test, not only delves deep into your ancestry gives you 40 carrier reports for a number of conditions relevant for those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent including Bloom syndrome, Canavan disease, cystic fibrosis, familial hyperinsulinism, and more.

Question 31

What are the main types of Jewish ancestry?

Accepted Answer

There are three main types of Jewish ancestry: Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Mizrahi. Defining them can be a little tricky, but a genetic analysis can show which Jewish subgroup you belong to. Generally speaking:

Ashkenazi — Jews from Eastern Europe (Germany, Poland, Ukraine, etc.)
Sephardic — Jews from the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal, North Africa, etc.)
Mizhari — Jews from eastern Europe (Middle East, Turkey, Iran, etc.)

Question 32

Which DNA test is best at analyzing Jewish heritage?

Accepted Answer

The best autosomal DNA tests for identifying Jewish heritage are MyHeritage and AncestryDNA. Both of these tests will give you accurate assessments of how much Jewish DNA you have. For Y-DNA (paternal lineage) or mtDNA (maternal lineage) testing, FamilyTreeDNA offers the best analysis for tracking and understanding the geography and migration of your Jewish lineage.

Question 33

What are the benefits of discovering your Jewish ancestry?

Accepted Answer

Apart from learning about your heritage, understanding your Jewish ancestry can provide you with valuable medical insights to help prevent diseases that disproportionately affect those in the Ashkenazi community. And if you use a DNA service which also has a genealogical component — like MyHeritage or AncestryDNA — you can find and connect with living relatives who are also part of your Jewish family.

Question 34

How do DNA health tests work?

Accepted Answer

DNA health tests work by analyzing a sample provided by you and extracting your DNA. For health tests, this usually involves a cheek swab or a saliva sample. But some other tests, especially those for organ health and STDs, require a finger-prick blood sample.

Your DNA is then compared to genes that influence certain biomarkers to determine which genetic variant you carry. Certain variants might indicate that you’re at risk for a specific health condition.

Question 35

Will health insurance cover DNA testing?

Accepted Answer

You might be surprised to learn that you can use your health insurance for a lot of health tests, especially those that involve genetic conditions and carrier risk screening. Of course, you need to check your policy first and it’s probably worth getting in touch with your insurance provider.

Some companies like LetsGetChecked accept FSA and HSA cards. So even if you can’t pay with your insurance, you can cover some costs another way.

Question 36

Are health DNA tests worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Health DNA tests are definitely worth it if you’re looking to assess your risk of genetic diseases, nutritional needs, and understand how your traits and behaviors can influence your health. You can get a good indication of your risk levels and use actionable advice to alter your lifestyle habits and improve your health.

Always do your research beforehand, because it’s important to know what you’re getting before you buy. For example, it’s not worth investing in a health test that screens for nutritional deficiencies and intolerances if you want carrier risk testing.

Question 37

Which is the best DNA health test?

Accepted Answer

That depends on what you want from your test, how quickly you want your results, and your budget. If you want to live an all-around healthier lifestyle, choose Living DNA for its wide selection of reports and actionable nutrition and fitness insights based on your DNA.

For checking organ function, STD screening, and current levels of hormones and other biomarkers, go with Everlywell and LetsGetChecked. To determine your predispositions to certain diseases and carrier status for congenital conditions, 23andMe provides extensive genetic health reports.

Question 38

Can you get DNA health testing for dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. You can learn all about your dog’s breed makeup, their characteristics, and whether they are likely to develop health conditions.

Our top choice overall is Embark, with screening for 170+ health conditions and actionable wellness tips, too. Wisdom Panel is a worthy runner up, though – it gets your dog’s results to you even quicker and screens for 180 health risks.

Question 39

Are Lyme disease tests accurate?

Accepted Answer

Most at-home Lyme disease test kits screen for certain IgG and IgM antibodies that are part of the immune response against an infected tick bite. It takes time for these antibodies to appear in the bloodstream, and therefore a Lyme disease test will typically be most accurate once these antibodies have developed.

If you take a test too early, you may receive a false negative, as antibodies are not yet present in the blood, despite you having the infection. It takes between four and six weeks for antibodies to be detectable.

Whether you test positive for Lyme disease antibodies or not, you should still follow up with your healthcare provider. The results of an at-home Lyme disease test should not be taken as an official diagnosis for the condition.

Question 40

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

Accepted Answer

The symptom most associated with Lyme disease is the bull’s eye rash and if you have one, you should not wait to take an at-home test. Seek medical attention right away to prevent any potential complications. Other symptoms associated with Lyme disease include:

Swollen lymph nodes
Severe fatigue
Body aches
Headaches
Vision changes
Vertigo (dizziness/balance issues)
Memory issues
Heart palpitations
Weakness in the arms and legs
Facial paralysis
Sleep disturbances

Question 41

Is Lyme disease curable?

Accepted Answer

In most patients Lyme disease – when caught early – is cured by a course of antibiotics. However, in some cases, where symptoms are severe or not resolved by antibiotics, patients may be referred to the hospital for further tests and treatment.

In rare cases, diagnosed patients continue to experience symptoms, like tiredness and aching joints, for years. Treatment for chronic patients involves symptom management through physical therapy, diet modifications, and IV antibiotic treatments.

Question 42

How can I reduce my risk of getting Lyme?

Accepted Answer

If you live in or travel to areas where ticks are common, there are a number of measures you can take to avoid being bitten, including:

Use an insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin
When walking outdoors, cover your skin and tuck your trousers into your socks
Stick to paths whenever possible
Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to see and brush off
Check for ticks and remove them safely within 48 hours

Remember, a small minority of tick bites result in Lyme disease, but it is worth getting tested, just to be safe.

Question 43

Does insurance cover the cost of Lyme disease tests?

Accepted Answer

Insurance doesn&rsquo;t usually cover the cost of at-home Lyme disease tests and the results shouldn&rsquo;t be taken as an official diagnosis. That being said, it&rsquo;s worth getting in touch with your insurance provider to better understand your options.

Question 44

What is the best at-home Lyme disease test?

Accepted Answer

All the Lyme disease tests on this list meet our high standards, but I have a few insights that may help you make your decision.

LetsGetChecked is the only blood test provider to offer Lyme disease testing outside the US, serving over 20 global markets, including across Europe.
If you want to test for a number of strains of Lyme disease-causing bacteria, Everlywell is the best choice as it measures the immune response for three types.
If you’re looking to learn more about your overall health and wellness, which includes how your body may respond to Lyme disease, SelfDecode offers a wide range of personalized health reports utilizing the information in your DNA.

Question 45

How accurate are at-home food sensitivity tests?

Accepted Answer

At-home food sensitivity tests can be just as accurate as those provided by your doctor. Ensure reliability by choosing a company that uses CLIA-certified labs and provides physician-reviewed results.

Be aware, blood tests will measure your current levels and sensitivities, whereas saliva DNA tests will analyze your genetic predisposition to food sensitivities. For vendors measuring the latter, the accuracy will also depend on the size of the DNA database that your sample is being compared to.

Question 46

Can a food sensitivity test help ease my symptoms?

Accepted Answer

The results of a food sensitivity test will help guide an elimination diet. It involves cutting foods out of your diet your results indicated you may have a sensitivity too and seeing if there is an easing of your symptoms.

These foods are later reintroduced one and a time to see if any cause symptoms or a reaction. This helps you determine which foods you may have a sensitivity to, so you can eliminate them from your diet altogether. The process of an elimination diet usually takes between 5 and 8 weeks and can result in a significant reduction or complete eradication of symptoms.

Before making significant changes to your diet, you should consult your doctor.

Question 47

What do food sensitivity tests measure?

Accepted Answer

Different types of tests will analyze different variables. Blood tests that measure your current levels – like Everlywell – will measure how your IgG or IgE antibodies react to different foods. Higher reactivity levels mean that you are more likely to have a food sensitivity or allergy.

Alternatively, DNA tests like Vitagene and GenoPalate measure your genetic predisposition to food sensitivities based on your unique DNA.

Question 48

Does insurance cover food sensitivity tests?

Accepted Answer

It’s unlikely your insurance will cover the cost of food sensitivity tests. Also, the results and recommendations of your test shouldn’t be used as an official medical diagnosis. Still, it is always worth getting in touch with your insurance provider to understand what is covered by your plan.

Question 49

Who offers the best food sensitivity kit?

Accepted Answer

There are numerous food sensitivity tests and the one that works best for you depends on your needs and goals. All tests on this list meet our high expectations and criteria and here are some of our top picks:

If you’re looking to live an overall healthier lifestyle, which includes eating a diet that’s better for you, Living DNA provides a number of fitness and diet reports.
If you have an idea of which foods may be causing you discomfort, Personalabs have individual sensitivity tests for a dozen food groups.
If you eat a varied diet and want to test your sensitivity to a wide range of foods, Everlywell and 5Strands test for an extensive number.

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