1University of San Diego doctoral graduate, San Diego, USA
2Professor of Nursing, University of San Diego, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences, USA
3Lecturer, Operations Research Department, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, USA
4Lecturer/Consultant, University of San Diego, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences, USA
*Corresponding author:Kathy James, Professor of Nursing, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences, USA
Submission: May 28, 2020;Published: June 18, 2020
Volume5 Issue1 June, 2020
The use of genetic testing to assist patients with weight loss is relatively new but well received by
patients. Genetic testing offers an increased understanding of obesity risk, behaviors that can contribute
to weight gain, and more. Research suggests that patients are receptive to learning about how genetics
influences their weight. Atypical eating behavior traits (e.g., eating disinhibition, food desire, hunger,
satiety, snacking, sweet taste) have been reported in patients with weight problems.
This evidence-based practice project identified the frequency of 6 atypical eating behavior genes in a
population of overweight and obese adults. A quantitative retrospective design analyzed behavior traits
to identify the frequency of genotypes (e.g., FTO obesity gene) that influenced eating-behavior traits of
overweight and obese patients attending a medical weight loss clinic in southern California (N=75). All
study procedures were approved by the appropriate institutional review board and administrators prior
to initiating the project. Data were extracted from patients who completed a saliva sample for genomic
testing between 2017 and 2018. Analysis revealed that 56(75.7%) patients screened positive for eating
disinhibition and 37(50%) for food desire, whereas 29(39.2%) were identified with the FTO gene. Also,
20(27.0%) patients were positive for sweet taste, 13(17.6%) satiety, 13(17.6%) snacking, and 7(9.46%)
hunger. On average, patients screened positive for 2(median) eating behavior traits. Four (5.41%)
patients screened positive for 5 eating behavior traits. Overall, overweight and obese patients had a
disproportionally high incidence of eating disinhibition, food desire, and the FTO obese gene; behaviors
that could contribute to difficulty with weight loss.
This study may provide guidance for advanced practice nurses in how to manage the traits with behavior
modification techniques. Specific strategies can be discussed with patients that focus on their atypical
behaviors with regular follow up appointments by the clinician. Genetic testing can provide important
patient education to improve outcomes related to weight management and health outcomes.