What do you think about the body's natural weight?
LadyTalulah
Posts: 174 Member
I think there will be a lot of conflicting opinions with this question.
Do you think that the body has a natural weight (or more body fat % rather than weight) that is determined by genetics and it tries hard to keep within that range?
It makes sense to me, considering that there are just people who are naturally thin and others who are naturally bigger.
I ask this because I'm starting to think that my body is EXTREMELY stubborn when it comes to it's desired weight. Let me clarify, I'm not by any means overweight and I'm not looking for an excuse as to why I "can't lose the last 5 pounds". I'm just realizing that when I start to drop in body fat %, my body rebels, I become so sensitive to blood sugar drops, I'm tired and cold all the time and I stop getting my period. Where as for some of my other friends, that same body fat % is natural to them. I always end up back at my regular weight, which is anywhere between 53 and 56 kg (I'm 165cm). So what I would call my "natural weight" is not at all big, in fact I'm quite small. It's just not lean with defined muscles.
I think I just feel like I'm striving to get that "perfect figure" and my body just won't adapt no matter how slowly I lose the fat or what nutritional plan I'm on!
Anyways, what are your opinions?
Do you think that the body has a natural weight (or more body fat % rather than weight) that is determined by genetics and it tries hard to keep within that range?
It makes sense to me, considering that there are just people who are naturally thin and others who are naturally bigger.
I ask this because I'm starting to think that my body is EXTREMELY stubborn when it comes to it's desired weight. Let me clarify, I'm not by any means overweight and I'm not looking for an excuse as to why I "can't lose the last 5 pounds". I'm just realizing that when I start to drop in body fat %, my body rebels, I become so sensitive to blood sugar drops, I'm tired and cold all the time and I stop getting my period. Where as for some of my other friends, that same body fat % is natural to them. I always end up back at my regular weight, which is anywhere between 53 and 56 kg (I'm 165cm). So what I would call my "natural weight" is not at all big, in fact I'm quite small. It's just not lean with defined muscles.
I think I just feel like I'm striving to get that "perfect figure" and my body just won't adapt no matter how slowly I lose the fat or what nutritional plan I'm on!
Anyways, what are your opinions?
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Replies
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53-56 is a slightly underweight to healthy weight range for a lady of your height. It sounds to me like you were pushing yourself to be too far underweight before.0
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How are you measuring your body fat %? As if you are using scales it could be out by quite a bit so though the scales are showing you and your friend as the same you could be out by quite margin.
If your body fat is low enough for your period to stop then that's a sign you're way too low!
Do you do heavy weightlifting? As that's how people look lean with defined muscles (and having bigger muscles can mean a heavier scale reading but still looking really lean).0 -
No, I don't think it does have a natural weight.0
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The body deals with being underweight by shutting down non vital processes yes
Do you think it's possible for you to learn something from this?0 -
It's been a while since I considered the subject but I think there is a difference between a set point (no, I'm not talking about tennis but a genetic point where your body will fight and resist all attempts to move from it) and a settling point (the point where weight tends to plateau and people find hard to move from due to habitual behaviours which they find it hard to break rather than actual biology.)
I think most people will be dealing with a settling point rather than a set point unless they are particularly underweight or very lean.)0 -
Bodies do not have a "natural weight" but they do react negatively when one fails to provide them proper nutrition when starving for a "perfect figure" ... whatever that is.0
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Probably. Healthy bodies probably have a range where they're happy and want to remain.
Starve your body and it will fight you with hunger, weakness and dizziness. Eat too much (of healthy foods) and you'll feel uncomfortably stuffed and kind of sluggy.
I think they find a place they like and try to stay there.
It's really easy to pack the pounds on by eating junk food, though. You don't get the uncomfortably-stuffed feeling because you don't have to stuff yourself to take in so many calories. Even so, the pounds begin to pack on. Eventually, you have less energy.
If you're thin and your body is fighting you on weight loss, listen to it! Eat a little more. Don't starve yourself into a hospital bed, for Pete's sake. Tube Up The Nose isn't a good look.0 -
Yes on the heavy weightlifting! 5x a week.
On the bioelectric impedance scales (which I know aren't the most accurate but the only bf measurement I have access to) I'm measured anywhere between 19-20% consistently. Which again I would like to clarify I KNOW I'm not overweight. But I'm just not as lean as many others who work out less and eat worse than me, and when I do get even a bit lower my body reacts badly.
Don't think it's all in my head or that I'm just looking for people to tell me "Eat something, you're too thin." Even my trainer said most others would be much l leaner if they followed my plan, considering my age, how much I work out and what I eat, yet my body just doesn't seem to want to adapt.
This question was more of a general one to be honest. I was using myself as an example but I'm more interested in your own experiences.
**Edited because of typo0 -
No, I don't believe we have a natural weight determined by genetics. I do think we have a happy weight that is determined by lifestyle.0
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It's been a while since I considered the subject but I think there is a difference between a set point (no, I'm not talking about tennis but a genetic point where your body will fight and resist all attempts to move from it) and a settling point (the point where weight tends to plateau and people find hard to move from due to habitual behaviours which they find it hard to break rather than actual biology.)
Ahh really interesting point! I never thought of it like that.0 -
LadyTalulah wrote: »It's been a while since I considered the subject but I think there is a difference between a set point (no, I'm not talking about tennis but a genetic point where your body will fight and resist all attempts to move from it) and a settling point (the point where weight tends to plateau and people find hard to move from due to habitual behaviours which they find it hard to break rather than actual biology.)
Ahh really interesting point! I never thought of it like that.
You'll probably find the following article interesting:
Settling points and body weight regulation
For years I thought that I had a set point which I couldn't move from when in reality I was eating more and exercising less than I imagined. The issue was as much psychology as physiology.0 -
So we have comparison to others with a lot of assuming as to what they truly do when not with you, blind trust in a trainer (a group with limited, at best, nutritional training) who spoke in generalities, seeking the "perfect figure" ... all while ignoring that what your body is signalling is not a weight issue, it's a nutritional issue.
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brianpperkins wrote: »So we have comparison to others with a lot of assuming as to what they truly do when not with you, blind trust in a trainer (a group with limited, at best, nutritional training) who spoke in generalities, seeking the "perfect figure" ... all while ignoring that what your body is signalling is not a weight issue, it's a nutritional issue.
Did you use google translate or something? It's hard to make sense of what you're saying.0 -
LadyTalulah wrote: »It's been a while since I considered the subject but I think there is a difference between a set point (no, I'm not talking about tennis but a genetic point where your body will fight and resist all attempts to move from it) and a settling point (the point where weight tends to plateau and people find hard to move from due to habitual behaviours which they find it hard to break rather than actual biology.)
Ahh really interesting point! I never thought of it like that.
You'll probably find the following article interesting:
Settling points and body weight regulation
For years I thought that I had a set point which I couldn't move from when in reality I was eating more and exercising less than I imagined. The issue was as much psychology as physiology.
Awesome, thanks for the article! Will have to go over it
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I believe he's saying that you're getting a lot of conclusions based on shaky premises, trusting the opinion of a trainer who probably has scant nutritional training, and have potentially counterproductive goals.LadyTalulah wrote: »brianpperkins wrote: »So we have comparison to others with a lot of assuming as to what they truly do when not with you, blind trust in a trainer (a group with limited, at best, nutritional training) who spoke in generalities, seeking the "perfect figure" ... all while ignoring that what your body is signalling is not a weight issue, it's a nutritional issue.
Did you use google translate or something? It's hard to make sense of what you're saying.
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I believe there is a set range for optimum performance. It's basic biology. Organisms try to maintain homeostasis, and the human body is no different. While highly adaptable, there is certainly a point at which the system as a whole functions best.0
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DeguelloTex wrote: »
I believe he's saying that you're getting a lot of conclusions based on shaky premises, trusting the opinion of a trainer who probably has scant nutritional training, and have potentially counterproductive goals.LadyTalulah wrote: »brianpperkins wrote: »So we have comparison to others with a lot of assuming as to what they truly do when not with you, blind trust in a trainer (a group with limited, at best, nutritional training) who spoke in generalities, seeking the "perfect figure" ... all while ignoring that what your body is signalling is not a weight issue, it's a nutritional issue.
Did you use google translate or something? It's hard to make sense of what you're saying.
Ah, much clearer, thank you. Possibly, although I am more inclined to believe a trainer's opinion than my own. Especially because in my country, trainers have to go through a vigorous year long course and have many classes on nutrition and basic biology before they are legally allowed to practice. I've heard that in North America though it's basically just a class on the weekend and then you're qualified. I would be more wary of their opinion, for sure.0 -
I think there's likely a body fat range that your body will try to maintain (not anywhere near overweight, of course) through symptoms like those you mentioned. Similarly, it's common for women to stop menstruating if they get too thin. There probably are some natural variations. I don't think -- and don't think you are suggesting -- that this explains why people get overweight, as some claim. I think that idea is essentially disproven by the dramatic variances in percentage overweight that we see within countries like the US over time. It's clearly not explained by natural weights.0
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I think there are genetic factors that make it so that people required different amounts of calories and enjoy different types of foods, but I don't think that alone gives a person a "natural weight." The other piece of the puzzle is that we have habits when it comes to eating and exercise. We tend to eat the same amount of food all the time. Part of this is habit. A person who doesn't weigh and measure stuff gets up in the morning and fixes breakfast. One egg or two? It'll be the same answer every morning. A bowl of cereal? It'll be the same size bowl with about the same amount of milk. So, even though they don't know how many calories they're eating, it is a near constant number. For lunch, salad or hamburger and fries? Soda with that? Again, it'll be a similar answer every day. For supper, snack on stuff or fix a meal? Again, same answer every day and a near constant number of calories. By making similar choices every day, it makes it seem like our body has a weight that it wants to be, when it is actually that we just keep doing the same thing over and over.0
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Did you ever mention to your trainer that you've lost your period when you've gotten to a certain weight? 19-20% body fat is really good so you are at a good weight and bf percentage. Genetics plays a role in where you are going to hold that body fat. If your body fat drops below 12-15% (I believe), you will lose your period as a woman.
Women need that bf for reproductive functions. It's natural and healthy. So is there a weight that your body wants to get to? Yes, but it will depend on how much muscle you have that will determine this because it will want to naturally have that 20% bf. It's unfortunate that you don't have the body that you were looking for at a GREAT body fat percentage, but at some point genetics does take over and the only way to change that is by plastic surgery (aka body sculpting, or lipo). I am NOT suggesting to do it, but if it is the only way for you to be happy, then it is a consideration.0 -
Need2Exerc1se wrote: »No, I don't believe we have a natural weight determined by genetics. I do think we have a happy weight that is determined by lifestyle.
That's exactly how I feel, and how I feel about my current weight in particular. I know that I am capable of being lighter and I know what I would need to do to get there, but there's a reason I always seem to get stuck around this weight. It's a weight that I can maintain while still drinking a bit too much and having a more than occasional indulgent day. The only time in the past 3 years I've gotten below this weight was when I had surgery earlier this year and couldn't eat (or drink) as much for about 5 weeks after. I absolutely COULD be healthier and lose a few more pounds, but I'd have to make additional sacrifices I haven't yet been willing to make, it seems.
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We have lots of fitness, physique and body building models to look at and many strive for them. Unfortunately what many don't know, is that the picture you see is usually after they've done a contest. It's RARE to see a competitor walking around looking like that all the time. And to get in such defined ripped up shape, they are usually at their LOWEST immunity, condition and health.
There's an ideal weight for each person based on their lean mass and ideal body fat %, but it's so variable between people that there's no true consensus since how one feels also plays into it.
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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LadyTalulah wrote: »I think there will be a lot of conflicting opinions with this question.
Do you think that the body has a natural weight (or more body fat % rather than weight) that is determined by genetics and it tries hard to keep within that range?
It makes sense to me, considering that there are just people who are naturally thin and others who are naturally bigger.
I ask this because I'm starting to think that my body is EXTREMELY stubborn when it comes to it's desired weight. Let me clarify, I'm not by any means overweight and I'm not looking for an excuse as to why I "can't lose the last 5 pounds". I'm just realizing that when I start to drop in body fat %, my body rebels, I become so sensitive to blood sugar drops, I'm tired and cold all the time and I stop getting my period. Where as for some of my other friends, that same body fat % is natural to them. I always end up back at my regular weight, which is anywhere between 53 and 56 kg (I'm 165cm). So what I would call my "natural weight" is not at all big, in fact I'm quite small. It's just not lean with defined muscles.
I think I just feel like I'm striving to get that "perfect figure" and my body just won't adapt no matter how slowly I lose the fat or what nutritional plan I'm on!
Anyways, what are your opinions?
I think it's all dependent on someones habits, I don't think your body finds it's "ideal weight" it's more like you find that equilibrium where your activity level and what you eat are in line.
People just need to rationalize things to themselves for their lack of effort or for giving up on their eating habits... "I didn't gain weight back, my body just put it on, all on it's own... you know your body has to find its natural weight and all" .. yeah that makes sense...
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GuitarJerry wrote: »Set point theory is BS.
this is what i came to say.
Set Point is BS. Your weight is a direct result of your lifestyle, activities, and food intake.0 -
LadyTalulah wrote: »DeguelloTex wrote: »
I believe he's saying that you're getting a lot of conclusions based on shaky premises, trusting the opinion of a trainer who probably has scant nutritional training, and have potentially counterproductive goals.LadyTalulah wrote: »brianpperkins wrote: »So we have comparison to others with a lot of assuming as to what they truly do when not with you, blind trust in a trainer (a group with limited, at best, nutritional training) who spoke in generalities, seeking the "perfect figure" ... all while ignoring that what your body is signalling is not a weight issue, it's a nutritional issue.
Did you use google translate or something? It's hard to make sense of what you're saying.
Ah, much clearer, thank you. Possibly, although I am more inclined to believe a trainer's opinion than my own. Especially because in my country, trainers have to go through a vigorous year long course and have many classes on nutrition and basic biology before they are legally allowed to practice. I've heard that in North America though it's basically just a class on the weekend and then you're qualified. I would be more wary of their opinion, for sure.
You're mad!
You're talking about a BMI of 19-20 which is under the healthy 20-25 range and clearly not suitable for your body type as can be seen from your physical symptomsLadyTalulah wrote: »I ask this because I'm starting to think that my body is EXTREMELY stubborn when it comes to it's desired weight. Let me clarify, I'm not by any means overweight and I'm not looking for an excuse as to why I "can't lose the last 5 pounds". I'm just realizing that when I start to drop in body fat %, my body rebels, I become so sensitive to blood sugar drops, I'm tired and cold all the time and I stop getting my period. Where as for some of my other friends, that same body fat % is natural to them. I always end up back at my regular weight, which is anywhere between 53 and 56 kg (I'm 165cm). So what I would call my "natural weight" is not at all big, in fact I'm quite small. It's just not lean with defined muscles.
I think I just feel like I'm striving to get that "perfect figure" and my body just won't adapt no matter how slowly I lose the fat or what nutritional plan I'm on!
Anyways, what are your opinions?
My opinion is you're mad to be disputing people telling you to listen to your body's obvious signals or a medical professional rather than a trainer0 -
Have you ever considered build muscle and gaining mass, then follow it with a cut to effectively change your body composition.
Also, how many calories do you eat?0 -
LadyTalulah wrote: »Yes on the heavy weightlifting! 5x a week.
Does anyone else think it's likely that the OP is overtraining, in addition to undereating?
If by "perfect figure" and "lean" you mean building a little muscle, you're not going to get there by overtraining and undereating. Your body builds muscle during recovery, not while you're lifting. And it can't build the muscle without fuel (extra calories beyond what your body needs for basic functions) and protein (beyond what your body needs for basic functions, including normal everyday muscle repair, which goes on all the time).
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I think of it this way (Some one correct me if my logic is wrong) I have no issue staying at 170 (my assumed body's natural weight), according to scooby calculator, in order to stay at 170 I would have to eat 2500 calories to maintain.
That's a lot. I have no problem eating that and staying full.
I would like to get down to 135, it's a little over 2100 to maintain at that... Those 400 calories a day make a HUGE difference when you're use to feeling full on 2500 a day.
Does that make sense?0
This discussion has been closed.
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