TCF7L2 Gene
The 'Hunter vs. Farmer' gene that regulates insulin secretion and sensitivity, determining whether a person metabolizes fats or carbohydrates more efficiently.
Deep Dive
TCF7L2 is the primary gene used to determine your optimal macronutrient ratio. It encodes a transcription factor involved in the Wnt signalling pathway, which directly influences how your pancreas secretes insulin and how your cells respond to glucose.
The Hunter Variant: Individuals with this variant have a strong insulin response to carbohydrates, meaning carbs trigger excessive insulin release, promoting fat storage and inflammation. These people thrive on high-fat, moderate-protein diets such as Keto or Paleo, where the metabolic burden on insulin is minimised.
The Farmer Variant: Individuals with this variant have high insulin sensitivity and process carbohydrates efficiently. They thrive on complex carbohydrates found in plant-based or Mediterranean-style diets. Forcing a ketogenic diet on a Farmer can suppress thyroid function and increase cortisol over time.
Eating against your TCF7L2 type often leads to systemic inflammation and weight gain despite calorie restriction. This single gene explains why two people can follow the exact same diet and get opposite results.