Episode 34 - The Genetics of Metabolism: Why We All Process Food Differently with Emma Beswick

24 Mar

Healthily | 03/24/25

Why do some of us feel hungrier than others? Is fasting really the best approach for everyone? And how do our genes influence the way we process sugars and fats? In this fascinating episode of Healthily, I’m joined by Emma Beswick, CEO of Lifecode Gx, to explore the genetics of metabolism and what this means for how we eat and live. Emma shares the science behind nutrigenomics, explaining how our unique genetic blueprint affects hunger, energy regulation, and long-term health. Most importantly, we discuss practical, science-backed steps to support metabolism in a way that works for your body.

TAKEAWAYs

✔️ Big Picture: What’s This Conversation About

The discussion centres on how our genetics, biology, lifestyle, and environment interact — especially in how we metabolize food (fats, carbs, sugars), process signals (hunger, satiety), and manage energy, emotions, and long-term health.
The core message: there’s no one-size-fits-all diet or lifestyle. Because genetic predispositions differ among people, what “works” for one person may not work the same for another. The aim isn’t perfection — but finding what helps you feel as functional, energetic, and balanced as possible throughout life.

✔️ Why Genetics Matters — And What It Actually Means

Our genes evolved over millennia in different environmental contexts. Today’s rapid environmental, technological, and dietary changes challenge that evolutionary programming.
Knowing your genetic “set-up” can shed light on why certain foods, nutrients, or lifestyles feel natural — or problematic — for you.
Importantly: a genetics-based reading isn’t a fatalistic label. Rather than “genetics = fixed destiny,” it’s a map that helps you understand potential “weak spots” (or “sensitivity zones”) and use that knowledge to make actionable, tailored choices.

As phrased in the episode: “there are actionable steps… small tweaks… that might make the biggest difference.”

Another benefit: once you understand your genetic profile, you can revisit it across life stages (e.g. fertility years → perimenopause → later life) and re-interpret it in light of your current circumstances.

✔️ Genes, Appetite, and How We Use Food — What the Discussion Highlights

One of the main topics explored is how genetic variation can influence appetite, hunger signalling, satiety, and metabolism. Key ideas:

Two critical hormones in appetite regulation:

Leptin — signals “I’m full / I have enough fuel.”
Ghrelin — signals hunger / need for food.

In some people, genetic variants (e.g. in gene POMC) may blunt or dampen the leptin-driven “stop eating” signal. Result: even when physiologically “full,” their brain may not “get the message,” making them more prone to overeating (e.g. buffet situations). This is similar to dog-breeds (e.g. labradors) that “never have a stop-button” when food is available.
For people with that genetic tendency, there’s no need for guilt — instead, awareness helps. Consciously deciding to stop eating (rather than relying on internal cues) becomes a valid, health-promoting strategy.
Signalling of hunger/fullness isn’t just about gut stretch or simple calorie balance. It's mediated by neurotransmitters, hormones, receptors, and genetic pathways — and all these can be influenced by nutrition (macro & micronutrients), sleep, stress, gut health, and lifestyle.
When biological signals get “overwhelmed” (e.g. from excessive processed food / sugar, irregular eating, lack of sleep, heavy stress), signals may become “blunted” — leading to poor regulation, cravings, overeating, or metabolic dysregulation.
Conversely: by aligning lifestyle with your biology — e.g. consistent eating patterns, nutrient-dense whole foods (balanced protein, healthy fats, fiber), good sleep, gut-supportive diet — you give your body/gene-system a chance to “hear correctly,” use fuel efficiently, and regulate appetite better.

✔️ Broader Implications: Life Stage, Body, Metabolism & Balance

The conversation also touches on how metabolism, fuel use, and nutritional needs shift across life stages — particularly for women:

In fertility years, female bodies are evolutionarily “designed” to store more fat (especially around hips/hips–thighs), as a natural “fuel reserve.” This isn’t just aesthetic — it's biological, meant to support pregnancy demands.
As women approach perimenopause/menopause, hormonal, metabolic and energy demands shift. If dietary habits remain fixed (same quantity/quality as earlier years), the body may store more fat — sometimes in less “ideal” places (e.g. abdominal fat rather than “pear-shape” fat).
Understanding one’s genetic metabolic tendencies can help adjust nutrition and lifestyle appropriately across these life phases — rather than blindly following “one-size-fits-all” diet trends.

✔️ Key Takeaways & Actions (What You Might Do with This Insight)

Recognize that your body is unique. What works for others may not be ideal for you — especially if your genetic makeup or life history is different.
Tune into your body’s signals — but also know that those signals might be “noisy.” Don’t assume a growling belly always means “eat now,” especially if circumstances (sleep, stress, diet) are suboptimal.
Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods (good fats, quality proteins, fiber, micronutrients) rather than relying on processed foods or “quick fixes.” That supports hormone signalling, metabolism, and long-term health.
Keep consistent rhythm: consistent meals, good sleep, reasonable stress, and lifestyle habits help your biology “read” signals better.

Use personal data — whether genetics, history, metabolic tests, or self-observation — to guide decisions. Not as rigid rules, but as a map helping you choose, adapt, and respond to what you need.