Metabolic disease is a serious condition that raises the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other health problems. Metabolic risk factors include:

• BMI above 30 or a waist circumference of 35 for women and 40 for men
• High blood pressure
• High triglyceride levels (fat in your blood)
• Raised blood sugar
• Lower HDL or “good” cholesterol

One can have any one of these risk factors by itself, but they tend to occur together. Once someone develops three risk factors, they have metabolic disease.

An Inspirator is a personal coach. We call our coaches Inspirators because they do so much more than simply coach – they educate, motivate, hold their participants accountable, and are 100% committed to seeing each of their participants achieve their goals. They inspire them to become the best version of themselves.

A genetic testing kit will be sent to participants after they’ve completed their Welcome Call. The test is saliva-based swab test, so participants are able to easily collect the samples at home. The postage is already paid by us and the return package is labelled.

Newtopia Genetics looks at 7 genes that affect weight, stress, and lifestyle. Looking at these 7 genes helps us make the best recommendations for each participant as it relates to their diet, activity, and behavior change.

Only a participant’s Inspirator receives the results to review and prepare a genetic reveal. They will use the information to customize the participant’s program to ensure that every aspect of their health is covered. These results are never shared with the participant’s employer or insurance provider.

If a participant has a variation in this gene, compared to those without this genetic variation, their body may have a more difficult time breaking down and using carbs. When these are eaten in excess, they are more likely to convert these calories into fat. In addition, regular exercise at a higher intensity combined with dietary modification will help them achieve their health goals.

If a participant has a variation in this gene they may have a reduced dopamine uptake. Dopamine is our pleasure hormone. If the brain does not receive enough dopamine, it will continue searching for satisfaction (other methods to increase pleasure) elsewhere. This can lead to eating more foods that may be associated with a feeling of pleasure.

If a participant has a variation in this gene the message that they’ve had enough to eat is delayed. When the hormone leptin is released it sends a signal from our digestive system to our brain communicating fullness. Because the signal is delayed someone with a variation in this gene may have a tendency to overeat, which can lead to weight gain.

Participants with a variation in this gene might find difficult situations harder to manage and may be more likely to feel stressed or overwhelmed by daily annoyances. Given that BDNF impacts your ability to manage stress, you may find you are more likely to experience low mood related to challenging life events. Low levels of BDNF in the brain have also been shown to increase appetite and decrease energy expenditure which can lead to overeating and weight gain. Regular exercise that releases endorphins (feel-good hormones) combined with dietary modification will help boost their mental fitness, lower stress levels, and reduce their risk of obesity.

Participants with a variation in this gene breakdown and use caffeine at a slower rate, and tend to experience the effects of caffeine to a greater degree and for a longer duration. As a slow metabolizer of caffeine, consuming too much may increase your risk of hypertension and other cardiac events. Remember caffeine is a stimulant that promotes the stress response. This causes a rise in heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Over time these can be detrimental to our health.

Participants with a variation in this gene may have issues regulating their sleep-wake cycle, which is linked to less sleep duration. Sleep occupies approximately one-third of our lives and is considered an essential component to both physical and mental health. While occasional sleep deprivation isn’t usually a problem, long-term sleep deprivation has several complications such as difficulties with weight management and our abilities to cope with stress.

Participants with a variation in this gene may have difficulties finding the motivation to exercise. This makes finding your “why” or reasons to exercise a top priority. Having an active lifestyle can improve nearly every aspect of health and is essential for optimal mental and physical well-being.