You might remember naturopathic physician Peter J. D’Adamo for his blood type diet (Eat Right 4 Your Type), well he is back at it again with his new diet plan called The GenoType Diet. This time around he is focusing on your genes and how food can influence your genes to help you lose (or gain) weight.

By analyzing your blood type, jaw line, leg length, fingerprint and family history, D’Adamo classifies you as one of six distinct genetic body types or genotypes. Each genotype has a diet plan associated with it and lays out what you should and should NOT eat to help maximize your weight loss along with lifestyle modifications and exercise. 

In order to determine your genotype you will take a comprehensive test in regard to your blood type, fingerprint patterns, physical measurements, family history, and other health factors. Once finished you will have discovered which of the six genotypes you are.

The “Hunter” genotypes are generally people who are tall and athletic with a square jaw line and blood type O. They are prone to inflammatory diseases such as allergies and rheumatoid arthritis.

“Gatherer” genotypes are either blood type O or B and often crash diet because they cannot seem to control their appetite. They have a very emotional disposition and typically a high Body Mass Index.

“Teacher” genotypes are flexible and display enthusiastic behavior but are susceptible to bacterial infections. Most “teachers” have blood type A but some have type AB.

Muscular, adventurous and intelligent are three main characteristics of the “Explorer” genotype. They do tend to be sensitive to caffeine and medications and have any blood type but often have Rh-negative blood.

Charismatic and highly strung “Warrior” genotypes have blood types A or AB and often age prematurely. 

Last but not least “Nomad” genotypes are either very tall or short and usually have sensitive digestive systems. They are quiet and optimistic with a rational personality with either blood type B or AB.

Follow the dietary guidelines for your specific genotype. Protein, carbohydrate and fat intake will vary for each type. The author lists super foods to emphasize in your diet for each genotype along with toxins to limit or avoid. For example a “teacher” should emphasize goat and mutton for red meat and avoid beef, pork, rabbit and kangaroo. “Hunters” will do best with a diet higher in protein like red meat whereas “gatherers” will be more vegetarian and eat less animal protein. Some of the recipes D’Adamo offers include:

• Beef Negamaki with Asparagus and Scallions for “Hunters”
• Blackened Tuna with Orange-Zested Salsa for “Warriors”
• Almond Butter and Peach Spread Sandwich for “Gatherers”
• Baked Lemongrass Snapper for “Teachers”
• Calf Liver and Onions for “Explorers”
• Confetti Couscous for “Nomads”

Exercise recommendations are also based on your specific genotype. For example “Nomads” should engage in gentle forms of exercise like Yoga whereas “explorers” should perform more vigorous exercise.

D’Adamo has a website that provides 24-hour online support along with an overabundance of recipes (over 11,000 in total) and categorized for each of the genotypes. The website also includes articles, tips of the day, monthly newsletters, forums, and videos.

His book outlines super foods to incorporate into your diet and toxins to avoid for each of the food groups. D’Adamo discusses the health benefits of specific foods for each genotype.

Lack of scientific research to support D’Adamos’ theory is the only main criticism of the GenoType diet plan. More research is needed to establish how much your genes have an effect on your diet and vice versa. This diet can get expensive between the weekly costs for the online community and his supplements.

The diet recommendations that the author provides in the book are nutritiously sound for the most part. The GenoType diet is probably best for short-term weight loss. After following it for up to three months you should consult with a dietician to help with losing any additional weight and for weight maintenance.  

The GenoType Diet: Change Your Genetic Destiny to live the longest, fullest and healthiest life possible  hardcover book retails for $24.95. However you can find it cheaper if you do a little searching online for used copies or electronic versions for your tablet devices. 

Costs can add up if you join the online community which goes for $4 per week and billed quarterly for $52. Purchasing the author’s recommended supplements also increases the costs.