Buzz
It's obvious that some aspects of fitness are determined by genetics: not everyone who follows the same workout regimen will achieve the same results. While it might be tempting to undergo a test to see if your genes match those of top athletes, DNA tests don't reveal much about your fitness. In fact, discovering your genetic results could affect your mindset and performance.
A recent study (behind a paywall, but summarized well here) examined 116 people for variations of the CREB1 gene, linked to aerobic fitness. The results were then randomized: half of the participants were told they had the 'high-risk' version of the gene, while the other half were told they had the 'protective' version. Some participants were even given false results to observe the impact.
Researchers then had the participants perform a treadmill test, and guess who performed the worst? It wasn’t those with the 'bad' genes, but those who were told they had them. It was the reverse of a placebo effect: sometimes, if you believe you’ll fail at something, you end up failing.
This phenomenon, often referred to as the 'nocebo effect,' is more common than you might think. When people expect to experience pain, they're more likely to feel it. Similarly, if someone is given unsettling test results, it can amplify their anxiety. The same researchers who conducted the treadmill test also carried out a study where participants were told they carried a gene that would influence how full they felt. (That gene, as you might recall, is FTO, which was mentioned in this story on DNA tests for weight loss.) The outcome was the same: participants showed measurable physiological responses based on the gene they believed they had.
Like the placebo effect, the nocebo effect doesn’t directly alter your body’s mechanics. However, when it comes to sensations like pain, hunger, or tiredness, your brain processes the information it receives from your body. For instance, if you tell a cyclist they’re riding slower than usual, they’ll often find the strength to speed up and break their personal record. It’s all about how the brain interprets the data.
What you believe about yourself can have a surprising impact on your physical performance in the gym. So, if you're ever curious about genetic testing, don't place too much weight on the results. There are countless factors that influence fitness, far beyond a few genetic markers on a report. Instead, try telling yourself you’re capable of more, and see how that mindset changes your results.
