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With the rise – and convergence – of wearables, biomarker testing and AI, taking control of your health has become more accessible than ever. AlterMe is among the tech wellness companies offering personalized health and fitness programs for weight loss, building strength, improving diet and other goals – all informed by your DNA.
I recently tried out the AlterMe Program, which bills itself as “the world’s first health and fitness program build from your DNA.” As an overall healthy person with a good understanding of my medical record and family history, my goal was to see if AlterMe’s combination of real-time biomarker tracking with my genetic data might affect my day-to-day habits.
The full program with the AlterMe Ring starts at $1,699 and includes a DNA analysis and a personalized fitness, nutrition and wellness plan with daily guidance via the app. (The company is offering a $299 discount as of press time.) There’s also a basic Starter DNA Test tier without the ring ($89, reg. $99) and the more expensive AlterMe Pro option ($2,299) with the ring and a smart mirror. Financing is available for the last two tiers, and all tests and programs are HSA/FSA eligible.
Alternatively, you can start with the one-time purchase of a DNA Fitness & Health Report, which costs $49 for the Light test (reg. $149) or $399 for the Advanced+ test (reg. $799).
It’s worth noting up front that AlterMe’s guidance isn’t meant to replace working with a primary care physician who may have more knowledge about your medical history. (Always consult a medical professional for any health issues.) Though I communicate with my doctor regularly when concerns come up, I tested AlterMe’s DNA test to see if it would be helpful in tracking biometrics and getting custom fitness, recovery and food guidance based on my genetics.
Below, keep reading to find out the difference between all of AlterMe’s DNA tests and program offerings, and for my honest review of AlterMe’s biomarker test, smart ring and all-in-one health app.
AlterMe DNA Test & Program Review: Pros & Cons
• Easy at-home saliva swab test (no blood test needed)
• Fitness advisor consultation
• DNA data-driven insights and lifestyle guidance
• Variety of fitness, nutrition and wellness features on app
• Ring is comfortable to wear
Cons:
• Full program is expensive ($1,699)
• Cannot pair other smart rings with AlterMe app
• Difference between tests vs. full program can be confusing
AlterMe Program Review: The Bottom Line
If you’re someone who wants a highly personalized health and fitness plan that integrates seamlessly with real-time activity, nutrition and recovery tracking, then AlterMe’s program and ring are worth the investment for genetics-driven insights, tailored guidance, a variety of workouts and ongoing assessments to help you reach your goals.
AlterMe DNA Test vs. Full Program Review: What Do They Include?
All three AlterMe Programs include a DNA Fitness & Health Report, exercise response test, sleep and recovery insights, DNA nutrition analysis, sleep & stress genetic resilience and a consultation with a fitness advisor. The entry-level Starter Test is $89 (reg. $99) and includes just the DNA analysis and other extras.
However, only the standard AlterMe and AlterMe Pro plans ($1,699+) include the AlterMe Ring for biometric tracking and the access to the AlterMe App, which combines all your data to bring you a personalized fitness plan based on your genetics and recovery score, an AI nutrition coach, health insights, body scans and more. The AlterMe Pro comes with everything in the standard program, plus a Smart Fitness Screen.
If you don’t want to dive straight into the full AlterMe Program, you can start by purchasing just the DNA Fitness & Health Report, available in two options: DNA Light or DNA Advanced+; both come with a $50 credit to apply to the full program if you choose to upgrade.
The DNA Light test ($49, regularly $149) includes a starter analysis of 12 key traits for nutrition (response to protein, carb and fat), exercise (your athlete type, how you lose and keep weight off, cardio response, bone density risk and what motivates you) and sleep and recovery (stress and anxiety resilience, risk of inflammation and mental decline).
The DNA Advanced+ ($399; reg. $799) covers more than 265 traits and includes a full genome sequence and ongoing DNA analysis. In addition to everything in the DNA Light plan, plus even more data points such as your metabolic type, macronutrient profile, insulin resistance, food sensitivities, injury risk, circulation and vascular recovery, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense, sleep chronotype, circadian alignment and adaptation, caffeine sensitivity and much more.
Once you get your results, you can then upgrade to the complete AlterMe Program for access to the ring and app.
AlterMe DNA Test Review: How the At-Home Test Works
Anyone who endured COVID testing will ace AlterMe’s swab test. The DNA sample kit comes in the mail with clear instructions: Simply take the swab, swipe it around the inside of your mouth, put it into the collection tube and mail everything back in the included padded mailer with pre-paid shipping. Save for the plastic tube and bubble mailer, AlterMe’s test kit comes in entirely recyclable packaging, I an eco-conscious touch I appreciated.
AlterMe DNA Test Review: Results & Consultation
It took about 2 weeks for my DNA report to be ready after I sent off the saliva specimen. (AlterMe notes that test results are processed in 1-3 days for the DNA Light test or 5-10 days for the DNA+ test.) I liked that AlterMe kept me in the loop at every step with notifications and texts when my swab was received and when it was time to book my one-on-one.
Before you receive your results, you’ll need to book a 30-minute DNA consultation with an AlterMe fitness advisor. Scheduling the phone meeting was easy and convenient through the online portal. Test results are then emailed to you during your touchbase. (The DNA Advanced+ test includes a digital and printed report.)
AlterMe’s Results Summary for the Starter test explored 12 of my traits and whether certain ones were below, within or above average. As someone who is fairly in tune with their health and family medical history, the DNA consultation revealed the “why” behind what I like to do, giving me more clarity and understanding of my food cravings, workout preferences and motivations based on my genetics – and how to be the most efficient.
For instance, she noted that my exercise trait was Mixed (the other outcomes were Cardio or Strength), which explains why I feel my best and strongest when I’m doing a variety of activities rather than sticking to one type of workout. My takeaway: It’s not a lack of commitment when I regularly rotate between strength training, hiking, yoga and mat and reformer Pilates – turns out, I’ve just been following my instincts to work out different muscle groups.
Another unique insight was that my genetics dictate that I’m more externally motivated than internally. “You’re motivated by seeing external goals being met, such as seeing progress ,” my advisor told me. “You have to find your ‘why’; if you’re externally motivated and you’re not seeing enough results, that’s when you get frustrated.” No wonder I’m consistent when when I work with a personal trainer, take regular studio classes or exercise with friends. However, my advisor reminded me that other factors affect day-to-day motivation, such as stress and rest.
Other valuable pieces of intel included the impact of eating carbohydrates, protein and fat. My results aligned with general healthy diet recommendations (eat more complex carbs, good fats, fruits, veggies and proteins), and my detailed results connected the DNA dots between the best lifestyle choices and my genetic advantages and disadvantages, such as my family history of diabetes and heart issues.
For those who want to do an even deeper data dive, you can also request your raw genome data.
AlterMe Program Review: How Does the App Work?
AlterMe’s app provides daily guidance on movement, food and wellness based on your readiness score from data gathered from the smart ring.
The Today screen shows a summary of your current health and the day’s recommendations based on your Readiness Score, which is based on your sleep metrics, such as duration, stages (light, deep or REM sleep), heart variability rate (HRV) and resting heart rate (RHR). The Sessions section tracks your weight loss and strength goals and offers a robust variety of strength, cardio and recovery classes in a range of levels, durations and preferences (such as joint-friendly adjustments).
The Stats section shows your history across readiness, sleep and activity, including daily, seven-day, 30-day and yearly averages. Last but not least, the Nutrition tab helps you track and plan your day’s macronutrients (protein, fats and carbs), log your meals by describing what you ate or taking a photo of your plate (or your food’s barcode or packaging) and generating recipes based on your meal type (breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack), cook time, cuisine preferences and your favorite (or not-so-favorite) ingredients.
AlterMe Ring & Program Review: Sizing & Comfort
The standard AlterMe ring has a similar look, feel and sizing process as the Oura Ring, and comes in silver, gold and matte black. (Both my AlterMe and Oura rings are the same size.) The wearable has a notch design similar to Oura’s first-gen model and feels just as comfortable.
The device has an LED-based PPG sensor for tracking heart rate and blood oxygen, an accelerometer for movement and activity and a temperature sensor. The battery lasts about 7 days and a full charge takes about an hour and a half.
AlterMe also launched the Ultra Ring last December (after I signed up for the program) that has a battery life of up to 9 days and comes in silver, rose gold and matte black. It’s slightly thicker and more durable than the original ring, and AlterMe says it’s built for “enhanced durability for tougher conditions.”
AlterMe Program Review: What We Liked
Going into AlterMe, my main goal was to continue and build upon my existing workout and wellness routines. I wanted to maintain my strength, keep track of and improve my sleep (a never-ending journey) and get customized nutrition advice. After about four months of testing, the “gamification” of checking off my daily and weekly goals was integral in helping me stay consistent.
I loved the AlterMe app for new recipes and exercises, including the variety of classes, such as Pilates, full-body strength, cardio sculpt, meditation and yoga, to name a few. And while I only used the nutrition tracking occasionally, it was fun seeing the app generate fairly accurate macronutrient numbers of my food photos of grilled salmon, quinoa and broccoli (and my packaged Trader Joe’s dinners!)
I also relied heavily on my daily readiness score to plan my day more efficiently. One of the most helpful features was the AI coach that provided tailored workouts based on my previous night’s sleep. If I had a score of, say, 74 or below, AlterMe recommended a 20-minute cardio session or something less intensive. On days when my score was optimal (90 or above), it suggested a 30-minute workout with more strain. And on my low-energy days, AlterMe would advise me to skip workouts altogether and opt for outdoor walks.
While it seems more intuitive to gauge one’s state of tiredness in the morning, AlterMe’s data-driven guidance convinced me not to push my self on days when my body needed recovery.
AlterMe Program Review: Cons
The biggest downside is the price of the program, which costs $1,699 for the 12-month plan but includes the smart ring and access to the app. (The company currently is running a $299 off promo with code LIMITED200.)
I also wish there was an option to receive more alerts from the AlterMe app, such as recommended times to work out, eat or get to bed. Yes, many people prefer fewer notifications, but I’d prefer the option to control the pings. The app does have helpful reminders to charge the ring. (The predecessor to AlterMe’s ring was the medical-grade Signal wearable, which apparently had more alerts.)
For new users, the customer flow for simply buying a test or signing up for the full program can be confusing – especially given the major price difference between both. The “Get Started” button on the homepage takes you through the AlterMe Program process (where you’ll be prompted to sign up for the full $1,699 plan) while the “Buy Now” button on the upper-right-hand corner of the site takes you to purchase individual DNA Fitness & Health Reports ($49-$399). It’s not immediately clear that the lowest-tier
Adding to the confusion is the Pricing landing page, which gives you the option to choose among three AlterMe Program “systems” once you scroll further down the page.
AlterMe vs. Oura Ring Comparison
The last time I had an Oura membership was with the Gen2 ring. The company partnered with Quest Diagnostics to offer Health Panels last October, so their offerings and data insights have changed quite a bit since I last wore Oura.
Oura’s Health Panels service costs $99 and covers 50 biomarkers, and requires an active membership, which is $69.99 per year (or $5.99 per month). Factor in the cost of the hardware itself ($299 and up for the Gen3 ring, $349 to $499 for the Gen4), and the first-year cost for an Oura ring with a membership and biomarker testing is $468 and up. Similar to AlterMe, Oura syncs your biological data with your sleep and activity.
While Oura’s membership, hardware and biomarker testing combined are a fraction of the cost, the app doesn’t include workouts. AlterMe is the better option if you want an all-in-one platform for tracking your health, a custom fitness program tailored to your biological characteristics and real-time recovery score, macronutrient tracking and personalized recipes to help reach your goals.
I’ve also tested the Samsung Galaxy Ring ($399.99+), though not as extensively as I have an iPhone. It’s a great option for those with Android phones; read more about it here.
AlterMe DNA Test & Program Review: The Verdict
Overall, AlterMe has been impactful in taking more control over my health and making efficient day-to-day decisions. The features that were most valuable to me were the DNA Fitness & Health Report and the app’s personalized fitness and recovery guidance. The platform gave me clear and actionable insights, and having a data-based plan based on my real-time rest and stress levels gave me the confidence and assurance to make the best moves for my mind and body.
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