Personal genomics has the potential to transform preventive wellness in India

Sajeev Nair, Chairman, Vieroots Wellness Solutions answers some frequently asked questions on the growth potential of direct-to-consumer genetic testing in India

How can personal genomics impact and influence the preventive wellness narrative?

In India, the prevailing preventive wellness trends are more or less dominated by fleeting fitness and diet fads and one-size-fits-all approaches. However, to get the best out of a preventive wellness regimen, one needs to customise all lifestyle choices such as food, exercise, sleep, supplement intakes, etc. as per her or his genetic profile and genetic predispositions to certain diseases. Personal genomics, which essentially deciphers critical information from an individual’s genome, sets things up for devising individualised preventive wellness plans or personalised lifestyle modifications schemes.

How has the consumer genomics market across the globe been growing?

Well, there are few factors which are driving growth for the consumer genomics market across the world. First of all, there is growing consumer awareness of the proven competencies of genomics in catalysing preventive lifestyle modifications. People are more receptive towards the idea of adopting a personalised approach in achieving wholesome wellness. Moreover, thanks to the emergence of companies offering direct-to-consumer (DTC) sequencing services, consumer genomics testing has become accessible. As a result of all those factors, as per the latest report by Reports and Data, the global genomics market size is projected to grow to $128.75 billion by 2030 at a revenue CAGR of 19 percent over that estimated period.

How do you view the effectiveness of direct-to-consumer genetic testing in helping people adopt proactive wellness measures?

Easier accessibility to genetic information is the biggest benefit of DTC genetic testing. It also makes people aware of their genetic profiles and predispositions. In various markets across the globe, DTC genetic testing is available online. However, the absence of expert consultations, counselling and guidance during and after the genetic testing defeats the purpose. Genetic testing without qualified guidance may mislead people. The process of developing personalised lifestyle modification plans must be handled by an authorised expert with relevant experience. An expert has the capability to analyse the genetic test findings accurately and plan the lifestyle modification plans accordingly. The process needs to be backed by counselling as well to address psychological impact after discovering genetic profiles.

How does epigenetic lifestyle modification help people in actively managing health and wellbeing?

Epigenetic lifestyle modification plans bank on an individual’s geno-metabolic profile. It’s a fully customised approach in designing highly personalised lifestyle plans. Under the guidance of certified lifestyle coaches, people can personalise their fitness and diet plans and nutrition supplement intakes to actively manage health and wellbeing. The epigenetic lifestyle modification plans depend on genomic profile and its relations with diet, exercise and other lifestyle choices.

What’s your opinion on the growth potential of personal genomics in India?

Personal genomics has the potential to transform preventive wellness in India by adding predictive capabilities. As the wellness outlook is gradually shifting from reactive to preventive, the market for personal genomics will grow, going forward.