We can slow it down but your genes are the biggest factor in the ageing process

Shocked by her own test results, Dr Sara Gottfried was spurred on to devise ways of improving her health and slowing down the ageing process, says Áilín Quinlan.

“I’m no supermodel,” insists Dr Sara Gottfried, who is half-Irish — but, it seems, those trendy Celtic genes are no great asset: “I have very resilient genes which allow me to store fat — a little bit too much fat,” she quips.

Genetic testing in her mid-40s (she’s just turned 50), showed Gottfried carries what’s known as the ‘Famine Gene’ which means her body is adept at storing fat and has a tendency towards insulin resistance.