Weight Problems? Blood, Urine & Genetic Tests For Weight

This post lists biological factors that can be tested in some form or another. Testing accuracy will vary based on the type of test being done. In general, direct blood results are the most accurate, then metabolites (in urine) and then genes. If you’re struggling with weight issues, you want to check out which factors might be your weak links.

133 Different Mechanisms for Weight Modulation

See the following posts, which have 133 different mechanisms:

• A First Principles Approach To Obesity/Anorexia: The Big 4 Hormones
• 27 Hormones Involved in Weight Problems (not big 4)
• 31 Scientific Ways That Inflammation Can Change Your Weight
• 71 Biological Mechanisms That Influence Weight

Also, read:

• 29 Surprising and Science-Backed Ways To Lose Weight

Pro Weight Gain

Blood Tests

You can take blood tests for these, which is better than looking at your genes for these.

• Insulin (has mixed effects – it reduces appetite, but can increase fat mass) (R).
• Cortisol (R)
• Progesterone [1]
• VIP (on the whole) [1]
• PAI-1 [2]
• Glutamate [2]
• TGFb1 [2]
• C3a [2]
• IGF-1 [1]

Genetics Tests/SelfDecode

There are genes related to these. You can take a genetics test and plug the results into SelfDecode. I’m adding SNPs frequently, so keep checking back if you already purchased a subscription.

• Ghrelin [1]
• Opioids [3]
• Dynorphin [3]
• Cannabinoid CB1 receptor activation [3]
• PPAR gamma [3]
• FTO [3]
• INSIG2 [3]

Pro Weight Loss

Blood Tests

You can take blood tests for these, which is better than looking at your genes for these.

• Leptin (R)
• MSH [1]
• IL-1beta [2] – hard to detect in the blood
• ACTH [1]
• Histamine [2] – hard to detect in the blood
• Epinephrine [2]
• Norepinephrine [2]
• Dopamine [3]
• Growth hormone [1]
• CRH [1] – can be inferred from ACTH
• Testosterone [1]
• Estradiol [1]
• Estrone [1]
• Melatonin [1]
• Adiponectin [1]
• TRH [1] – can be inferred from TSH
• TSH [1]
• T3 [1]
• PrRP [3] – Prolactin is an indirect measure
• IL-4 [2]
• IL-10 [2]
• TNF-a [2]
• IL-6 [2]
• IFN-y [2]
• IL-8 [2]
• Quinolate [2]

Genetics Tests/SelfDecode

• MC4R and MC3R activation [2]
• Oxytocin [1]
• STAT3 [2]
• BDNF [3]
• ANP [3]
• NPS [3]
• PPAR alpha [3]
• PPAR delta [3]
• PGC-1a [3]
• SIRT1 [3]
• NAMPT [3]
• SIRT3 [3]
• CTNNBL1 [3]
• NGF [3]
• Obestatin [1]
• Genetic variation in PFKP, KCNJ11, PTER, and SEC16B was associated with obesity [3].

Mixed Effects

Blood/Urine Tests

• DHEA might have gender-specific effects – men lose and women gain weight [1].
• Serotonin has tissue-specific effects – it causes weight gain in the body but weight loss in the hypothalamus [2].

Genetics Tests/SelfDecode

• LXR has mixed effects on weight [3].