What is the TIGER Study?

Almost every cell in your body contains DNA, which is the set of "master instructions" that directs development, bodily functions, and even behavior.  Even though the DNA of all humans is more than 99% identical, we only need look around us at the variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and faces to know that there is variation in the human genome.  And it is the small differences in DNA sequence between people that influence, at least in part, why people look different, have different risks for some diseases and conditions, and/or respond differently to the same medical treatment or training program.  The TIGER (Training Interventions & Genetics of Exercise Response) Study is designed to investigate how variation in DNA sequence may influence levels of body fatness and fitness both prior to and following a 30-week exercise program. 

While we know that genes are important in our overall fitness, how genes may alter response to exercise and diet interventions is not known. 

The study will include a multi-racial group of 1,536 men and women (18-30 yrs) drawn from the student population at the University of Houston (UH) – more than 900 UH students have already participated in the TIGER Study.  The exercise training and fitness evaluation is administered at UH, and the genetic analyses will be performed in collaboration with investigators at the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). 

We are looking to enroll men and women who are:

between the ages of 18-30 yrs
healthy
motivated to exercise!

You are not eligible for the study if you:

have an adverse medical history or should not exercise, as determined by your doctor.

have a known metabolic disorder that may alter body composition (e.g., hypothyroidism).

are pregnant or lactating.