23andme vs. Helix

Update Jan 2020 Now I have results from Psomagen, added below.

I have genetic test results from 23andme and Helix/Arivale, so I thought it would be interesting to see if they both agree on the SNPs they measure. The answer is yes.

Both of my parents also submitted results and I compared them to mine, finding a few differences here and there, but nothing of serious consequence. Genetic tests have always been disappointing to me because the results rarely seem actionable.

Takeways

• I’m more likely to gain weight from saturated fat, though Dad is even more susceptible than I am. We’re equally likely to gain from “healthy” fats.

• I’m more likely (than Dad) to gain weight from being sedentary.

• Dad is slightly less disposed for a “high waist circumference”, but neither of us is far from the median.

• I’m at decreased likelihood to gain weight from carbohydrates. “Eating a diet rich in carbohydrates can actually help prevent weight gain”.

• I’m a non-taster (like 28% of the population) for bitter foods (like broccoli). Dad is an intermediate taster and likely to not enjoy them as much.

• Like 80% of the population, we are both “typical taste sensitivity to sugar”, meaning we aren’t any more or less susceptible to cravings than most people.