Genetically Speaking Blog

What is the secret to being successful on a diet?

It’s a question that people have been trying to answer for years and a topic that is frustrating for many.   Why do diets seem to work for some people and not others? How come some people eat whatever they want and never gain a pound while others diet and continue to struggle with weight? People swear by diets like keto, paleo or fasting, touting weight loss of tens or even hundreds of pounds, but when others attempt these diets, they see no results. Why?

As more clinics and hospitals are restricting access to clinicians and cancelling non-essential appointments in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, the use of telehealth services is increasing dramatically to ensure this counsel and other medical services can be provided.  Genetic counselors are not strangers to telehealth services; many have been providing telehealth services as an option to their patients for years. However, it has become more of an acute need right now as we are all facing the challenges of COVID-19.

When it comes to genetics and what we can learn from it, the progress we’ve made can make your head spin. I became interested in a genetic counseling career in the late ‘90s, which feels like ancient history. Back then, I’d speak to families about the possibility of a genetic condition, but there likely wasn’t a genetic test available to tell us more. If we confirmed a diagnosis, there usually weren’t many treatments to help. We’ve come a long way.