23andMe has become so mainstream, the test has become a verb.
The company began in 2006 with the goal of helping people learn and understand more about their genetic makeup, specifically, their ancestry, genetic traits, and genetic health risks. Since then, more than 2 million people have submitted their DNA for analysis and detailed reporting on their genotype, and 23andMe-ing—posting genetic makeup on social media—is, of course, now a thing.
It’s serious business learning that kind of information, and the results may inspire you in all sorts of ways. For example, Prevention spoke with a woman who, after taking a 23andMe test, learned she carried the APOA2 gene, which is involved in the production of a protein that affects the body’s response to saturated fat. She used that information to alter her diet and lost 61 pounds in 8 months. And when one Women’s Health writer took the test, she learned she was a carrier of Gaucher disease type 1, a metabolic disease with a range of symptoms including bone problems, anemia, and an enlarged spleen and liver. Armed with that information, she was able to consult a certified genetic counselor for advice before starting a family.
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So in addition to providing interesting insight into your ancestral makeup, the test provides information on whether or not you’re a carrier for certain diseases (like cystic fibrosis), if you’re at risk for certain genetic diseases (like late-onset Alzheimer’s), what genetic traits you have (like hair loss), and how those traits may affect your health.
The test is meant to be an informative tool, a relatively inexpensive way to get a deep dive into your genetic makeup. If you have serious concerns about your health, you should always consult a certified genetic counselor or your doctor. On a fun note, it can tell you (or mom) a lot about your family’s past.
