23andMe plans to recruit 100,000 customers into a genetic weight loss study, the Mountain View, Calif.-based personal genomics and biotechnology company announced Dec. 28.
The project will investigate how individuals' genetic variants are associated with weight loss, including why people tend to respond differently to diet and exercise interventions. The company's goal for the study is to better understand how genetic, demographic, psychological and behavioral factors collectively predict weight loss success.
For the study, 23andMe researchers will recruit a subset of customers who are overweight, but in good health, among other eligibility requirements. The participants will be assigned to one of three interventions during a 12-week period, which includes communicating via email with researchers who will offer participants weight loss advice and meal suggestions.
The researchers will continue to follow-up with participants after the study to share findings.
"This will help us begin to pave the way towards more personalized lifestyle recommendations," said Liana Del Gobbo, PhD, 23andMe's lead scientist on the study.