The Study
VDR Gene Polymorphisms and Inter-Individual Variability in Response to Resistance Training.
This study found that people with certain versions of a gene seemed to get different results from weightlifting — like some gained more muscle or lost more fat — but it didn’t prove the gene caused those changes. It just saw a pattern, like noticing that kids who eat more candy sometimes get more cavities — but maybe they also brush less.
Analysis score
Maximum 72 for a cohort study.
Where the score came from
People’s genes can affect how much they improve from lifting weights, and it’s different for guys and girls.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 536 / 100
Quality score
Groups of people are followed over time to see who develops an outcome. Strong for identifying risk factors and associations, but cannot prove causation as firmly as RCTs.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes — the differences are big enough to matter for personal training plans, even if exact numbers aren’t given.
- 2Women with AA genes got 0.4–3 kg more muscle and stronger jumps; women with AG genes lost more fat; men with CC genes got thicker thigh muscles.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Related Content
Claims (6)
When people who’ve never lifted weights before start training, some gain just a little muscle—like half a kilo—while others gain a lot, up to three kilos, in about two to three months.
People in China with a specific gene version (AA) who do leg workouts twice a week for 12 weeks get stronger and jump higher than those with a different gene version (AG), especially if they’re women.
Women of Chinese Han descent who do strength training and have a specific gene version (AG) tend to lose more weight and shrink their waist and hips more than those with another gene version (AA).
In Chinese men who lift weights, those with a specific gene version (CC) tend to get bigger quadriceps muscles than those with a different version (CT), and this gene effect might only happen in men.
In Chinese men and women who lift weights, certain genes might make women stronger after training, but make men lose more bone or fat — meaning the same gene can have totally different effects depending on whether you're male or female.
In Chinese adults who lift weights for 12 weeks, people with a specific gene version (CC) tend to gain more bone in their arms than those with another version (CT). Men with this gene also tend to build thicker leg muscles, and women with it tend to get stronger at explosive movements after training.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.