FitnessGenes Review Summary
Summary
FitnessGenes supports personalized fitness and weight loss goals through comprehensive reports and reasonable prices.
7 Facts from our FitnessGenes Review
- Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire (Headquarters) and Beverly Hills, California
- Products: FitnessGenes testing kit and DNA data upload
- Reports: Fitness recommendations based on DNA data analysis
- DNA data access: Yes
- Privacy: Compliant with EU data protection laws
- Cost: $49 for data upload; up to $199 for DNA testing kits
- Alternatives: Nebula Genomics (free reporting for data uploads, the most affordable whole genome sequencing)
This review is written with the intent to be as unbiased as possible. However, it represents the opinion of an individual reviewer and is therefore subjective. Furthermore, at Nebula Genomics we seek to educate the public about the benefits of Whole Genome Sequencing. Information about our Whole Genome Sequencing DNA test is therefore incorporated into the review.
September 7, 2022
Table of contents
Edited by Christina Swords, Ph.D.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The cost is comparable with other genetic testing services
- It provides in-depth fitness and nutrition information
- Users can download raw data
- Extended support to help you meet your exercise and diet goals, including access to experts like nutritionists and personal trainers (at an extra cost)
Cons
- If you live outside the US, Canada, and the UK, you will have to pay extra to ship your test kit back to the lab
- Does not provide DNA ancestry, genealogy, family tree, or last name origin information
- No specific information about genetic diseases
Introduction
FitnessGenes (Fitness Genes) is a direct-to-consumer DNA testing company launched in 2013 by Dr. Samantha Decombel and Dr. Dan Reardon. The company analyzes DNA to eliminate guesswork through tailored workout plans, nutrition programs, access to a genetic coaching team, and a supportive online community.
How to Get Started
Let’s first briefly review FitnessGenes products.
Review of FitnessGenes Free Account
The free Fitness Genes tier doesn’t provide a free genetic analysis. However, it educates you about the role of genetics in things like gut inflammation, vitamin absorption, obesity risk, and muscle growth.
Review of FitnessGenes DNA Upload ($49)
First, let’s review the FitnessGenes DNA upload option. The service allows you to use DNA test results from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, Family Tree DNA, Living DNA, and MyHeritage.
After signing up and uploading your data, you’ll have access to notes based on your genetic traits, tailored recommendations on how to get fit and hold a nutritious diet, and personalized recipes. Additionally, you get access to the members’ area.
Furthermore, you can purchase additional genetically-tailored training and nutrition plans to help you lose body fat and build muscle mass.
Review of FitnessGenes DNA Analysis ($199)
When the FitnessGenes DNA analysis kit arrives in your mailbox, you will provide a saliva sample and ship it back. The lab will extract the DNA from cells present in the saliva sample and analyze the genetic information to report on over 40 important genes for fitness and nutrition.
The TrueTrait® algorithm will use your genetic results, lifestyle data, and fitness goals to give you personalized and actionable recommendations for optimal diet and exercise habits.
FitnessGenes offers DNA analysis with 4, 8, or 12 weeks of detailed, personalized daily workout and nutrition plans (for $229, $259, and $289 respectively). You can download your raw DNA data, but whether this data is entirely compatible with third-party genetic data analysis is uncertain.
Review of FitnessGenes Reporting
These are the genes analyzed by the FitnessGenes test. The website provides more details on each function and frequency of genotypes.
| Gene | Function |
| ACE | Endurance |
| ACTN3 | Speed, helps fast-twitch muscle |
| ACVR1B | Muscle strength |
| ADRB2_1 & ADRB2_2 | Adrenaline signaling |
| AGT | Blood pressure regulation |
| AKT1 | Aerobic exercise response |
| ALDH2 | Alcohol metabolism |
| AMPD1 | Energy production |
| APOA2 | Saturated fat intake |
| APOA5 | Triglyceride levels |
| BDKRB2 | Vascular function |
| CKM | Muscle energy |
| CLOCK | Sleep cycle |
| CNTF | Nerve activity |
| CYP1A2 | Caffeine metabolism |
| FTO | Appetite |
| HERC2 | Eye color |
| HIF1A | Response to low oxygen |
| IGF1 & IGF1_2 & IGFBP3 | Regular growth/development |
| IL15RA | Muscle volume |
| IL6 | Inflammation and recovery |
| IL6R | Regulating IL6 activity |
| LCT | Lactose tolerance |
| LPL | HDL cholesterol levels |
| MC4R | Overeating |
| MCT1 | Fatigue |
| MSTN & MSTNRARE | Hypertrophy / Unusual muscle size and strength |
| MTHFR gene & MTHFR_SNP2 | Folate metabolism |
| MTR | Homocysteine conversion |
| MTRR | Methionine production |
| NMB | Disinhibited eating |
| NOS3 | Blood flow |
| PGC1A | Aerobic capacity |
| PPARA | Fat burning |
| PPARG | Fat and carb processing |
| SHBG1 & SHBG2 | Testosterone levels |
| SLC30A8 | Fasting glucose levels |
| UCP2 & UCP3 | Metabolism |
| VDR | Vitamin D processing/activation (Did you know you can test for Vitamin D levels at home? Learn more in our article about vitamin D tests) |
| VDR_Taq | Response to vitamin D |
| VEGFA | Blood vessel formation |
This is what the report looks like:
For each gene, you’ll get a genetic profile of the gene’s function, genotype, and advice. For example, the CLOCK gene affects the sleep cycle. So the DNA results may suggest that the user is a night owl. The company then advises on better sleep habits and exercise.
Review of FitnessGenes Privacy
Is your data kept private?
The company states that it will not provide personal information or genetic data to third parties without permission. However, with your consent, Fitness Genes will retain the remainder of your DNA sample for up to 12 years for potential research and development.
FitnessGenes will not store personal information along with the sample. You may opt out of research and development anytime. However, even if the study produces commercial revenue, you will not be compensated.
While you can withdraw your consent, your DNA cannot be removed if the study is already underway. The company will share your personal information with the government if required by law or if deemed necessary to prevent criminal acts.
Is FitnessGenes safe?
Personal data is safeguarded according to UK and EU data protection laws. Data is encrypted during storage and during transport; this end-to-end AES encryption is the type used for online banking.
FitnessGenes in the News
FitnessGenes has been covered by the Los Angeles Times, Forbes, and Men’s Journal, among others. In addition, the company teamed up with Gold’s Gym in July 2018 to launch DNA-based personal training programs.
FitnessGenes has also partnered with fitness expert and YouTube star Scott Herman to offer DNA analysis along with an 8-week muscle building plan. This plan includes a FitnessGenes results report, online support, and personalized training and nutrition Action Blueprint.
Other FitnessGenes Reviews
There are many sites where you can access FitnessGenes reviews and testimonials. For example, there are over 900 FitnessGenes reviews on Trustpilot, rating 4.5 out of 5 stars. On DNAtestingchoice.com, over 300 people have given it an average rating of 4/5.
On Amazon, FitnessGenes reviews average 5 stars by five individuals. FitnessGenes reviews are also available on the company’s website.
Nebula Genomics
The final section of our FitnessGenes review will compare it to Nebula Genomics and other DNA testing companies.
Nebula Genomics is different from genetic testing companies like FitnessGenes, 23andMe, and AncestryDNA. Nebula Genomics is focused on privacy, uses more advanced DNA testing technology, and provides you with more genetic data than most other DNA testing companies.
What services are offered?
Nebula Expand
The Nebula expanded DNA report is free. All you need to do is upload your data from 23andMe or Ancestry!
Nebula Genomics uses a statistical technique called “imputation” to fill in gaps in regular DNA tests like Fitness Genes. Based on this expanded data, you’ll access a report on hundreds of genetic traits.
Whole Genome Sequencing
Services like FitnessGenes, 23andMe, and Ancestry only read less than 0.1% of your genome.
On the other hand, Nebula Genomics uses full genome sequencing to decrypt 100% of your genome. You’ll also get access to the regularly updated Nebula Library and our genome exploration tools to search for specific genes or genetic variants in your genome.
Privacy is a Priority
You shouldn’t have to place your privacy on the line for the chance to learn about your genome. Nebula Genomics is the first privacy-focused personal genomics service.
Unlike companies like FitnessGenes, you maintain ownership of your genetic data. We connect you directly with potential third-party data buyers so that if you choose to share your genetic data, you can earn money. Read about our approach to DNA privacy.
Here’s how Nebula Genomics 30x Whole Genome Sequencing compares to 23andMe, Ancestry, and FitnessGenes.
| 23andMe | AncestryDNA | FitnessGenes | Nebula Genomics | |
| Produced data | ~600,000 positions in the genome | ~700,000 positions in the genome | ~650,000 positions in the genome | ~3,000,000,000 positions in the genome (whole genome DNA sequencing) |
| Nutrition and fitness coaching | No | No | Yes | No |
| Regular updates based on the latest discoveries | No | No | New traits released, but not necessarily based on new research | Yes (learn more) |
| Ancestry reporting | Yes, but based on relatively few genetic variants | Yes, but requires sharing data with other Ancestry customers | None | Deep ancestry reporting with full Y chromosome and mtDNA sequencing |
| Privacy focus | No | No | Yes | Yes (learn more) |
| Cost | $99 or $199 | $99 or $119 | $49 or $199 with the option of purchasing extended plans | $0, $99, $299 |
Other companies
Other DNA testing services similar to Fitness Genes are:
Diet:
- DNAFit (in partnership with CircleDNA)
- FoundMyFitness (one-time report or lifetime updates and other perks with subscription)
- GeneFood (data upload and a personalized nutrition test)
- Genopalate (data upload and DNA testing kit)
- Nutrigenomix (personalized nutrition based on 70 variants)
- Vitagene (diet and health)
General Fitness:
- AthGene (30+ reports tailored to fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle)
- Athletigen (free upload and basic report; additional tests and reports available at an additional cost)
- Genomelink (fitness information)
- Sequencing.com (fitness app purchased separately)
- Xcode Life (fitness and health report)
General Health:
- 24Genetics (health tests)
- CircleDNA (health and wellness)
- Genovate (relationship, health, fitness, and ancestry tests)
- HealthCodes DNA (personalized plans for wellness, nutrition, and fitness)
- Helix DNA (DNA test and additional cost for the apps)
- Noom (subscription based nutrition service)
- Nowgenome (genotyping test and data upload option)
- Nutrisystem (subscription based nutrition service)
- Orig3n (various DNA tests – no longer available)
- Promethease (health information)
- SelfDecode (wellness reports)
There are a lot of great supplement companies out there that may help you lose weight and get healthy (you can read about many of them on our blog!) But be careful! There are also dangerous experimental drugs out there like SR9009 and RAD 140 that are not approved for human consumption.
Explore all our reviews and check out our complete guide to the best DNA test kit and other home tests! Or, if you need more information, you can read more about DNA diet tests!
