So...are we all the same or are we all different?

cmcollins001

As I read through many of these threads, it seems that depending on the situation or the message, people will jump from we are all the same or we are all different. "We all are here for the same reason", or "everybody is different so what works for you may not work for them"

Which is it? Are we the same or are we different. If we are all the same then which "same" path should I follow. If we are all different, then what does it matter what I do, and why would you be interested in it since it won't work for you? Or why would I be interested in your exercise program or diet or "lifestyle" since we are different and it won't work for me?

SirBonerFart

We are all different which is why we don't ask doctors about our medical problems and ask MFP members instead

How can a doctor know if his body is different than yours?

BeachGingerOnTheRocks

We are all special snowflakes here for the same reason.

Mainebikerchick

We are all special snowflakes here for the same reason.

QFT!!!

SoViLicious

But what about the ones that have been peed on?

stealthq

In the broader strokes, we are all the same. We are all human, all follow the same laws of thermodynamics, yada, yada.

In the details, we are all different. Slightly different metabolisms for the same height/weight/age; food intolerances/allergies; medical issues that affect weight loss or exercise capabilities; psychological barriers to weight loss; preferences for different foods; etc

We all follow the same basic rules to lose fat. Calories in < calories out. Exactly how you get that equation going that works best for you in your situation, well that may not be same as everybody else. But, you can still learn from people who are doing things differently than you and maybe pick up some things that make your fat loss easier for you.

Get it?

ETA: change weight to fat - makes no sense if talking water weight

wideeyedla

I think it is a little of both. Our goals are the same: to lose weight, get healthier and more fit. We have different methods of doing it. My attitude is that if it is medically sound, it is working for you, and it is sustainable, then it is the right program choice for you. But I can tick off a host of medical conditions for which basic moderation isn't necessarily the best choice. It isn't the best choice for me. So I do what works for me.

In a perfect world, we'd be able to overcome those dietary distinctions and just support each other and cheer each other on. I am fast learning that MFP isn't perfect.

RhonndaJ

To answer the topic question.

Yes.

Everything else is just details.

cmcollins001

I think it is a little of both. Our goals are the same: to lose weight, get healthier and more fit. We have different methods of doing it. My attitude is that if it is medically sound, it is working for you, and it is sustainable, then it is the right program choice for you. But I can tick off a host of medical conditions for which basic moderation isn't necessarily the best choice. It isn't the best choice for me. So I do what works for me.

In a perfect world, we'd be able to overcome those dietary distinctions and just support each other and cheer each other on. I am fast learning that MFP isn't perfect.

WAIT!! WUT???

Then why am I here? This doesn't make sense.

wideeyedla

83 lbs gone, I'd guess

I am the parent of an Asperger's kid, and have some strong traits myself, like answering rhetorical questions and taking stuff literally until someone makes the funny obvious. People get used to me after a while, and point out the sarcasm for me.

bcattoes

We are not all same, but probably not all different either.

Hormones, disease, genetics, size, shape, psychology - these can all provide very big differences when it comes to weight loss.