Last year, a Dubai resident named Charmy* decided to take a genetic test in hopes of solving a medical mystery that had been troubling her for decades. Throughout her teenage years, she battled severe digestive issues and weight gain, leading to diagnoses of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and severe gastroenteritis. Despite being prescribed a variety of medications by doctors, nothing seemed to alleviate her symptoms. “It was incredibly frustrating and painful,” she recalls during a Google Meet conversation. Her condition deteriorated further after moving to Dubai. “The challenge was identifying the root cause of my ongoing indigestion problems,” she explains. While searching for answers online with her husband, they stumbled upon nutrigenomics—a field that studies the interaction between genes and nutrition. After some research, she contacted Dr. Salim Olabi, a general practitioner and IV specialist at SKIN111 clinic, who recommended a DNA analysis test. The results were eye-opening: they suggested a genetic predisposition to gut-related issues like IBS, and revealed allergies to nuts, seafood, full-fat foods, and certain exotic fruits. Additionally, she learned she was sensitive to carbohydrates and could benefit from focusing on her abdomen and thighs during workouts. “Initially, I took the DNA test to address my gut health concerns,” she says. “But by understanding how my body processes certain nutrients, my metabolic rate, and my response to specific types of exercise, I was able to follow a weight-loss strategy that was both effective and sustainable. Over time, it helped me lose 13kg,” she smiles.
Charmy notes that the test’s recommendations, based on her genetic makeup, provided unprecedented insights into her body. Dr. Salim reports that such genetic tests are increasingly popular in the UAE, particularly in Dubai. “We see about 10 to 15 clients opting for these tests every month at the clinic,” he says. “These tests consider your ancestry and provide details about your metabolism, muscle composition, and intolerance to carbohydrates and fat, which are crucial for weight loss.”
Australia-accredited practising dietitian Juhi Bhambhaney explains why genetic tests are gaining traction. A quick Google search reveals a growing number of clinics offering various genetic tests for nutrition and diet, also known as nutrigenomics tests, as well as fitness tests that analyze how genes might influence endurance, strength, recovery, and injury risk. These tests have advanced significantly over the years, making it possible for individuals to uncover the mysteries of their bodies with just a mouth swab. Dr. Nas Al Jafari, co-founder and group medical director of DNA Health & Wellness, explains that while such testing emerged in the early 2000s, it only became more advanced in 2010. With more companies offering these tests, the focus shifted from merely identifying genetic predispositions to providing personalized dietary advice based on an individual’s genetic profile, which could help prevent or manage chronic conditions like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. “Additionally,” he adds, “some individuals are genetically predisposed to deficiencies in specific nutrients like Vitamin D, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids, so nutrigenomic tests can identify these predispositions early.”
Science is becoming more personalized, with people seeking answers to specific questions such as whether their body effectively metabolizes protein and fat, how it reacts to cardio versus strength training, and even why they can’t control their hunger pangs. “You might feel hungry despite eating a reasonably good meal because you may have variations of the Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene, which regulates hunger,” explains Juhi Bhambhaney, who recently moved from Dubai to London. “In such cases, we recommend having smaller meals throughout the day to feel satiated.” Experts believe that if used correctly, these tests could significantly benefit people who struggle to achieve their health goals despite doing everything right. “If someone suffers from nutritional deficiencies, skin issues, and infertility despite taking supplements and showing normal blood results, it’s worth looking at specific genes for answers,” she says. “Often, general nutrition guidelines and recommendations don’t work for such clients, and genetic tests could provide some direction.”
Bhambhaney recalls a case of a yoga practitioner who consulted her because she was unable to achieve her desired body composition and kept losing muscle despite following a low-calorie, vegan diet and staying physically active. “She took the coeliac gene test as she suspected a gluten allergy. We did the HLA gene test to rule out coeliac disease, and she was able to reintroduce wheat into her diet, which provided essential fiber, B vitamins, and protein.” Her test results also indicated a need to focus more on strength training in addition to yoga and cardio, and that she wasn’t digesting certain foods well. “She switched to a vegetarian diet to include more protein sources, and it worked very well for her,” says Bhambhaney.
People are increasingly curious about their unique genetic makeup, especially post-Covid. After all, who wouldn’t want to know why their sugar cravings are unmanageable, where their body is likely to store fat, and which genes are responsible for their health issues? “Genetic tests can uncover such lesser-known genetic insights, as these factors are influenced by certain genes, and we can customize plans for clients accordingly,” explains Dr. Ayah Ghassan Nazzal, clinical dietician at Burjeel Royal Hospital, Asharej.
However, there is some skepticism surrounding these tests. For starters, they can be expensive, costing anywhere between Dh1000 and Dh4000 or more. A CNN article reported in February 2024 that many researchers felt there was “too much hype and too little solid science” behind the tests. The article quoted Dr. Timothy Caulfield, a professor in the law faculty and school of public health at the University of Alberta, who reported that his genetic test showed he was “unlikely to excel in sprinting” despite being talented at the sport through childhood and college. Dr. Nas is also skeptical of DNA fitness/exercise tests. “Genetics certainly play a role in how we respond to exercise, but lifestyle, diet, and training consistency are often just as important,” he says, emphasizing that the human body is highly adaptable. He also points out that the science of genetic fitness testing is still “relatively young” and often only “identifies broad tendencies rather than precise predictions.” He warns that people might use their genes as an excuse for not “putting in the hard work.” “The idea that genetics alone determines success in fitness is an oversimplification,” he points out.
The science behind nutrigenomics tests is still evolving. He adds: “Genetic variation is only one factor influencing how our bodies respond to food—meaning such tests can sometimes have limited accuracy in predicting disease outcomes or dietary responses. Environmental factors, lifestyle, and microbiome diversity all play a role in health and nutrition.” Dr. Nazzal says that while Nutrition DNA testing is generally accurate, “their effectiveness depends on the quality of the provider, the genetic markers analyzed, and how well the results are interpreted.”
Experts unanimously agree that genetic test results should not be studied in isolation. Bhambhaney says she wouldn’t rely on these test results alone while working on a nutritional plan. “Although it does have the potential to help some people, I do think more research needs to be conducted and training needs to be provided to healthcare professionals on how to include these tests in their practice,” she says. “When it comes to health and nutrition, a holistic approach where DNA tests are used in conjunction with proper advice from a dietitian who understands your lifestyle and health history will be most useful.”
*Name changed to protect identity
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