Another Look at Genetics

Genetics is an interesting subject.  Apparently crucial when it comes to building muscle.  Some people are "hard gainers" and others build muscle like gangbusters.  I attempted to check more genes in my 23andme raw genetic data to find the following:

MSTN (myostatin, regulates muscle growth): important gene, but 23andme did not test me.
 
ACTN3: (rs1815739) I was tested to have the CC allele, which is over represented in power athletes.
 

AGT: (rs669) Tested to be GG which is associated with power sports performance, but also hypertension.

IL6: (rs1800795) Tested to be CG (found in a mix of athletes), not sure of relevance.

NOS3: (rs2070744) Tested to be CT.  TT allele significantly higher in power athletes (paper).

AMPD1: (rs17602729) Tested to be GG (normal activity).  People deficient can benefit from d-ribose.  I'll keep that in mind since I know someone with the "deficient" allele.

rs7832552 TT associated with greater lean mass, but 23andme did not test me

There are probably a host of untested genes as well as genes tested for that we don't know are associated with lean mass.

Other genes indicate that I'm prone to obesity.  Been there done that!  That is the whole reason for my current health journey. 40% body fat is no fun.  This allele implicated in the need to be on a low fat diet to lose weight (rs1042714 = CG).  Based on my experience it is easier to keep the fat, up the protein, and reduce the carbohydrates.  This keeps me more satiated and not make me prone to hypoglycemia.

So do I have superior genetics?  I do not know.  I'm a little miffed that 23andme did not test the MSTN gene.  That would be important data to share if I in fact have an advantage here.  I went from 40 to 28% body fat, lost 8 pounds, lost 4.5 inches, in 17 weeks.  That means lost about 17.50 of fat mass and gaining 9.5 lb of lean mass.  That seems like unrealistic progress.  I wish I could share more complete genetic data for the sake of science, but there you go.

Concerning any "supplementation".  I take whey protein and protein shakes to up my protein intake.  Take apple cider vinegar in hopes of shedding a little more body fat.  If my gout toe flares I take cherry extract pills and drink cherry juice.  There is also no way I can take creatine since I have the gout issue.  I work legs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and arms on Tuesday and Thursday to allow them adequate recovery time.

So the moral of the story is that one can begin lifting weights and find out it helps them considerably when it comes to getting stronger, toning up, and while on a diet to drop the body fat percentage faster.  I think it would have taken 9 months of being in a slight caloric deficit to get to the point I am at today.  Except, I could not pull it off several months ago, due to hypoglycemia.  Perhaps lifting weights and upping the protein was enough for my body to not overreact to the caloric deficit anymore.

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