Tulsa Doctor: DNA Could Hold Key To Best Work Out, Diet Plan

With the New Year comes new resolutions, and for those resolving to lose weight there always seems to be a new plan or diet going around.

This year, one Tulsa doctors said we can find out what works best for our body based on our individual DNA.

Dr. Michele Neil, with the Functional Medical Institute, said with just a swab from inside your mouth, you can find out what type of exercise is best for your body, and a whole lot more.

Christina Cupp has always been an athlete and even competed in body building.

She's had lots of coaches over the years and thought she knew what worked best for her body - getting her heart rate up high and keeping it there – but when she took the DNA test, she learned she needed to slow down her workouts, drastically increase her protein intake and change her carbs and fat.

"The most interesting part was I learned post workout. I'm not supposed to eat carbs for an hour and a half, and I was from the body building world that said eat carbs and protein post work out," Cupp said.

Neil, said the DNA test takes away the mystery so you don't have to guess which plan is right for you.

"Genes don't lie, and genes never change," she said.

Neil said, why spend a bunch of money or waste a lot of time trying different programs when you can actually know what will work best for you.

"People who have tried A,B,C,D and E and failed miserably, they get that missing link and their body starts responding and reacting based on what genetic information says they should've been doing all along, and they get excited and it gives them hope," said Neil.

She said once people make the lifestyle change they not only lose weight, but are healthier inside and out.

She said the DNA testing doesn't tell you how to diet, it tells you how to live.

Cupp said she can feel and see the difference after making changes based on her DNA test.

"I'm always trying to lean down my legs and behind, and I believe I'll get there with this. I can already see the muscle definition that's different," she said.

The DNA test costs $400 and is not covered by insurance plans.

Neil said, since your DNA never changes, you only need the test once to tell you what you need for the rest of your life.