Improving Health, Performance and Productivity

Personalised Genome-based Healthcare in the Workplace

Dr Paul Beaver - Director (Science), Co-founder

The Current Health Crisis

There are 3 trends that significantly

influence workplace health and

performance.

Influencing Workplace Health and Performance

Recent Australian Government data shows1

1) Life Expectancy:

Increasing but Health Expectancy decreasing.

Men - last 18.6 years and women - last 20.7 years with disabilities.

2) Obesity Epidemic:Australians overweight or obese68% of men (over 7.3 million ) & 55% of women (over 6.0 million)

3) Ageing Population:Baby Boomers

By 2020 approximately 20% of Australians will be over 65 years old

1 References available on request

The Current Health Crisis Influencing Workplace Health and Performance

1. Stress

2. Exercise- lack of

3. Food- quantity & quality

4. Smoking

5. Alcohol / drugs

6. Environmental factors- air, water

NOW the most important factor is:

7. Interaction of our genes with our lifestyle choices

Factors Contributing to Current Health Crisis

Importance of Gene and Environment/Lifestyle Interactions

The recent Federal Government report released in May 2009, titled

“Weighing it up – Obesity in Australia”, stated that:

1.Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

contribute about 30% to an individual’s body weight, and;

2. Genetics contributes the other 70%

(Similarly, research indicates the ratio for Heart Health is approx. 50 % and 50%.)

Personalised Genome-based Healthcare

Genetics in the Workplace*

Major technological advances in the last few decades have increased our knowledge of the role that genetics plays in occupational diseases

Combined with knowledge of other factors that contribute to occupational morbidity and mortality, genetic information will play an increasing role in preventing occupational disease.

Understanding the role of genetic factors and their interaction with environmental/occupational exposures is important in occupational health and could lead to further prevention and control efforts, the identification of novel therapeutic targets and educational strategies for better management of work-related diseases.

*Recent On-line article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety ,USA, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/genetics/ ,

Genetics in the Workplace

“In summary, the use of genetic information in the workplace has the potential to affect every worker in the United States.”

*Genetics in the Workplace - Implications for Occupational Safety and Health, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH, 2010

Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics

Nutrigenetics

Nutrigenomics

Nutrigenomics – What is it?

Studies the interaction between our genes, diet and

lifestyle choices.

It’s true you can’t change your genes, HOWEVER,

you can compensate for their influence by making

the right nutritional, exercise and lifestyle choices.

Nutrigenomics+ =

The Fitgenes ‘Multi-disciplinary’ Convergence Approach

Exercise &Movement

Behavioural& Lifestyle Choices

Genetic Factors

Nutrition

CA Support Announced: “Healthy Solutions Win Backing”

On 29 June 2012, Commercialisation Australia (CA) announced

another $9 million in funding to support 24 new participants and

extend additional funds to two existing participants on the

program.

Commercialisation Australia

Where to From Here?

Our Vision

To help people maximise their potential

for

Healthy Living – Healthy Ageing©

> Disease

> Symptoms

Birth Death

Personalised, Strategic and Targeted Interventions

> Improve health expectancy and live disease free.

> Maximise health potential:

Genetic predispositions

Nutrition

Exercise

Lifestyle Choices

Stress Management

Health

Exp

ecta

ncy

Life E

xp

ecta

ncy

Goal: Avoid Poor Health:

?But how?

The Fitgenes Philosophy

TrGenotype

& Cell

Function

Gene Expression

Maximise your Potential forHealthy Living - Healthy Ageing

5) Optimise metabolism

7) Burn fat 1)Reduce Inflammation

6) Remove toxins (detox)

3) Improve circulation

4) Healthy nutrition

2) Redox Balance

Cell Health

Why Inflammation is the #1 Focus

15 Risk Factors for Heart Health

1. Genetic factors

2. Diabetes

3. Smoking

4. Hypertension

5. Lack of exercise

6. Depression/Lack of optimistic thinking

7. Obesity

8. Stress

9. Elevated cholesterol, triglycerides

10.Elevated Homocysteine

11.Lack of faith

12.Inadequate intake of fruits and

vegetables

13.C-Reactive Protein

14.Hypothyroid

15.Inadequate Omega-3

15 Risk Factors for Heart Health

1. Genetic factors ↑CRP

2. Diabetes ↑CRP

3. Smoking ↑CRP

4. Hypertension ↑CRP

5. Lack of exercise ↑CRP

6. Depression/Lack of optimistic

thinking ↑CRP

7. Obesity ↑CRP

8. Stress ↑CRP

9. Elevated cholesterol, triglycerides ↑CRP

10.Elevated Homocysteine ↑CRP

11.Lack of faith ↑CRP

12.Inadequate intake of fruits and

vegetables ↑CRP

13.C-Reactive Protein ↑CRP

14.Hypothyroid ↑CRP

15.Inadequate Omega-3 ↑CRP

Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease:Is Abdominal Obesity the Missing Link?

TNFα

IL-6

↑ CRP

Atherogenic Insulin-Resistant “Dysmetabolic

Milieu” ↑ Risk of Coronary Syndrome

Adipose Tissue

CRP = C-reactive protein; IL-6 = interleukin 6; TNFα = tumor necrosis factor alphaAdapted from Després JP. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord.2003;27:S22-S24,

?

Example

Personal Genetic Profile

Health Destiny(Health Potential + Pre-disposition to Risk)

Nutrition, Exercise & Lifestyle Assessment

Investigate Medical

Biomarkers

Health Pre-disposition(identify potential for

health or risk)

Family History

Recommend Personalised Gene-matched Nutrition, Exercise and Lifestyle

Interventions

Fitgenes Health Program - Overview

Fitgenes 12 Week Program OutlineProgram Item Baseline

Data Collection

Week 1

Week 4

Week 8

Week 12

Week 16

Next Phase of Treatment

DNA Profile Yes          

Pathology Tests(Panel Options) 

Yes        Retest pathology

 

Initial Questionnaire 

Yes    

Review Questionnaire

         Yes  

Treatment Plan and Protocol

  Yes        

In-clinic anthropometric tests

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Program Summary Report

           Yes

Clinic Appointment Yes 30 min

Yes 60 min

Yes 30 min

Yes 30 min

Yes 30 min

Yes 30 min

Weight Loss Case

Study: “Jenny”Practitioner - Sharon Palmer

> 6 years ago weighed 140 kgs.

> Has had significant weight loss in the past:- Lost 60 kg: regained- Lost 50 kg: regained

> Went to GP for weight loss:- Put onto Optifast Shakes: - 3 shakes per day- No food at all for 10 months

> GP also put on drugs to increase metabolism and suppress appetite:- Use for 3 months but couldn’t tolerate.- Caused anxiety and panic attacks.- Had also used T3, but also stopped this as didn’t like the

effect.

Jenny’s Weight Loss History

Jenny’s Rebound Weight Gain

> When stopped the Optifast shakes went back to being careful with diet.

> Regained 5 kgs per week, and ended back at starting weight.

> Was so unhappy she ‘wanted to die’.

– GP recommended a gastric bypass but Jenny didn’t want this.

– Decided to have a gastric sleeve. Done Feb 2007.

– Initially lost a lot of weight.

– Weight loss has now stopped and Jenny is beginning to gain weight

again.

– She is afraid she will gain all her weight back again.

Jenny DNA Fat Metabolism

Jenny’s Data  Follow up Follow up

Date 14/9/11 16/1/12 8/3/12

Patient Actual AgeBiological Age

4861.54 H

4851.63 H

4846.73 Lost 14.81 yrsFirst time younger than actual age

Weight kg 

85 kg 72 kg-13 kg totalNever been this weight  

73.5 kg

Fat Mass:Difference from ideal

35.14 kg+15.43

24.93 kg+2.23 kgTotal loss -10.21kg

23.85-1.08Total loss-11.29kg

Muscle Mass:Difference from ideal

21.78 kg-4.97 kg

21.38 kg-0.04 kgTotal loss -0.40kg

23.85+2.47Total gain+2.07

IntraCellular Fluid %(Aim 50-60%)

42.02 L 45.72 L 48.23L

ExtraCellular Fluid %(Aim 40-50%)

57.98 H 54.28 H 51.77 H

Cellular Fluid Balance:(Ideal -20 to 0)

36.30 H 26.27 HBest reading

17.06Best reading

Waist (cm)Aim F <80 M <94

95 74Total loss of 21 cm

72Total loss of 23 cm

  Inflammation decreasing Inflammation decreasing

.

“Doing my Fitgenes DNA profile

has helped me gain information

that has helped me on a

number of levels.”

Jenny B. 2012Firstly, I felt better about my previous struggles,

knowing there was an underlying genetic reason

for my obesity and yo-yo weight gains. I felt

better about the fact that it had a root cause. I

suppose I could have felt powerless to do much

about it but instead it energised me to fight

against it. …..

Testimonial February 2012

› Doing my Fitgenes DNA profile has helped me gain information that has helped me on a number of

levels.

› Firstly, I felt better about my previous struggles, knowing there was an underlying genetic reason for

my obesity and yoyo weight gains. I felt better about the fact that it had a root cause. I suppose I could

have felt powerless to do much about it but instead it energised me to fight against it. I am actually

proud of myself for losing weight. My genetic profile would indicate this is very difficult for me, and I am

prone to rebound weight gain.

› It also encourages me to fight harder to not allow myself to regain. I don’t think I can get away with

things anymore. Also, there was always a point in the past when I assumed I could eat normally. Now I

have much more information and it enables me to talk straight to myself.

› In food terms it has changed my whole way of eating. I found that I cannot tolerate a high intake of

saturated fats and my body is designed to store these. As a result, I do not generally eat meat or animal

fats like hard cheese. I love cheese and wine, I just don’t eat the cheese any more. (I am still working

on the wine). It makes it much easier to maintain my weight loss. There are times when I do eat them

but very rarely. The point is I can now make an informed choice.

› Overall, I would say that this is the best decision I have made as it has given me information that has

helped me make sense of my struggles and gives me tools to make decisions for the future. I just can’t

kid myself anymore as I know the truth!!!

Case Studies – High Blood Pressure

Client: A B C D                 Age (years) 50   34   50   54                   Gender Male   Male   Male   Male                   FT Program Start Date 24/02/2012   5/11/2011   23/11/2011   16/04/2010                   FT Program Week # 1 5 1 9 1 12 1 6                 

Blood Pressure (BP) 155/99 1 130/85 130/80 2 120/65 183/84 3 117/77 190/110 140/80                 

Weight (Wt) Kg 106 101 124 108 - 4 - 82 76Change in Wt   5   14       6                 Waist Circumf. (WC) cm 119 114 111 98 - - - -    5   13        

                 

Notes:1. BP had been at 172/119 before starting the program

2. BP had been at 158/100 before starting the program

3. BP had been at 213/110 before starting the program

4 Weight Management was not a health goal for this client as his % body fat was in the superfit range

Pracware

In Conclusion…

Personalised, genome-based

healthcare has an important role to

play in improving workplace:

> Health

> Performance

> Productivity