What to know about MyPhenome

About MyPhenome

  • MyPhenome® is a genetic test that uses AI machine-learning technology, licensed from Mayo Clinic.

    If you have struggled with your weight, your genes are a good place to start to look for answers. MyPhenome® test can give you and your clinician insight as to why and which treatments are genetically optimal for you.

    MyPhenome® analyzes 6,000 SNPs across the gut-brain axis to predict an individual’s weight loss response to medications, procedures, and lifestyle interventions. MyPhenome® test helps pin-point the root cause to your specific energy imbalance so that you know what approach to take.

  • Yes. MyPhenome® is backed by over a decade of research at the Mayo Clinic by Dr. Michael Camilleri and Dr. Andres Acosta with many key publications.

  • Knowing if you are Hungry Brain®, Hungry Gut®, and/or Emotional Hunger® helps you and your healthcare provider decide which diet and/or medication will help you lose the most weight. In clinical studies, patients who were on phenotype-guided approaches for medications and lifestyle lost 2-5x as much weight as those who were randomly assigned different weight loss medications.

    Acosta, et al., Obesity. April 2021, & Cifuentes, L et al, Lancet eClinical Med, 2023

The testing process

  • The test is a simple cheek swab that can be done at home OR in the clinic. You’ll receive a kit to collect your sample, and mail it back. It’s important to note that MyPhenome must be ordered by a clinician.

    The test requires you do not eat, drink, chew gum, brush teeth, or smoke 30 min prior to swabbing.

    Kit includes:

    • Swab and collection tube (with your Sample ID)

    • Instructions

    • Biohazard bag

    • Prepaid return to the lab (on the back of the box)

  • MyPhenome® Test detects the presence or absence of three distinct obesity phenotypes. Your report includes personalized, evidence-based treatment recommendations supported by peer-reviewed clinical studies, including lifestyle interventions, medications, and procedures that have been shown to be most effective for the phenotypes detected.

    Phenotypes tested:

    • Hungry Brain®

    • Hungry Gut®

    • Emotional Hunger®

  • Yes. Your healthcare provider (HCP) or our HCP network can order your test and have it shipped directly to you. Instructions will be provided on how to collect the sample and ship the kit back to us.

Results

  • No. Taking medications at the time of testing will not impact MyPhenome results. A person’s genes will not change based on what medications they are taking.

  • Yes. Your results can help optimize any path you take—whether that’s medications, lifestyle changes, or a structured program.

  • Your genes are unique to you. GLP1s may be an option for you, but because your family member lost 100 lbs on a GLP1 does not necessarily mean that it will work the same for you. The question you want to answer is what will your body respond best to next.

  • Yes. Protecting the privacy and security of your health information, including genetic testing results, is a core principle of Phenomix's privacy and data protection practices. We adhere to applicable laws and regulations designed to safeguard your personal health information. For additional details, please see our Privacy Policy.

  • We recommend waiting until you are no longer pregnant before taking MyPhenome test.

  • You’ll receive your results in 2-3 weeks after shipping your test back to the lab.

  • Your results will be delivered to your MyPhenome Portal.

  • MyPhenome uses patented technology licensed from the Mayo Clinic. The MyPhenome test is supported by several clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals such as the Lancet, Obesity, and Cell Metabolism.

    Check out our clinical evidence here.

    MyPhenome is backed by extensive research including over a decade of R&D at MayoClinic.

  • Your provider will likely suggest a calorie deficit diet. Dr. Acosta (Mayo Clinic) recommends a calorie deficit of your measured or calculated basal metabolic rate minus 30%. Combine this with trying to achieve as close to 10,000 steps per day as possible.

    It's best to start with simple lifestyle changes to kick start your weight loss as soon as possible.

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