Weight is really just genetic

Every single member of my family, including extended family, is overweight or obese. But it's not genetic, we all over eat and don't exercise. Whatever part genetics does play in weight, I believe can be corrected through diet and exercise.

It's like when my Mom says we have a history of heart disease in our family, we don't actually - we just have a family history of smoking, drinking whiskey and pouring gravy on everything.

This. When I was eating the same and when I was as sedentary as everyone else in my family, I was overweight like they are.
When I started eating healthy foods and getting moderate exercise, my weight dropped down to the healthy range.
Go figure.

no its actually almost entirely environment.

I do think genetics have a PART in it. I was given up for adoption at birth. My parents (the ones who raised me) were thin and so was my brother (their bio son). I was always more on the heavy side. I ate like them and was VERY active (I was doing martial arts and soccer at the same time. When I was doing that I was 170 pounds! I am only 5/4) My Biological family come to find out are obese or overweight. I was always on the heavier side (though since having kids it has gotten much worse). I didn't know my bio family until I was 22 years old. My Bio mother is 230 at 5/6, my father at 5/9 is over 500 pounds O_O. So I do think genetics do play a part but I don't think it is all of it.

People are fat because of sedentary lifestyles and overconsumption of calories. There are a few that have medical conditions where losing weight is very difficult. It's so easy to point fingers at what factors may be causing you to be overweight instead of looking in the mirror at the number one cause.

Is true. If your parents didn't weigh anything changes are you won't weigh anything either.

I used to think the same thing when I was obese (for nearly half of my 38 years) and boy was it a great way to excuse myself from doing something about my health and fitness! Obviously a little mindfulness and some small changes can do wonders... I still eat what I like most of the time, avoid the treats that aren't really worth it, watch my portions, eat healthier and move more. It's not that hard to change things up. You have to want it and be willing to put a little work in instead of sitting around and whining.

There are some obese people in my family but I know if they put a little effort in they could have the same success...it's not a death sentence unless you let it be.

I just wanted to say congrats on being so close to your goal! GOOD JOB! how long did it take if you don't mind me asking?

Yea, I don't think so. I am the only fat *kitten* on both sides of the family tree.

Its my own fault and I am trying to fix it. The end.

If its genetic then why I am the ONLY overweight person in my family? No one on my dad's side or mum's side is overweight....all slender.

I'd say my binge eating got me to where I am...not genetics. I take full responsibility.

I'm a special snowflake so the whole "genetics" thing doesn't apply to me.

If its genetic, i should be morbidly obese with diabetes, heart disease, thyroid issues, and arthritus.

Instead....im 16% bodyfat, hypoglycemic, and can run an eight minute mile.

im not buying it.