Are people helpless in controling their weight?

135

Replies

  • Shoechick5
    Shoechick5 Posts: 221 Member
    Frick, I wish! seeing as my mom is 118 pounds :laugh:
  • It was worth a page of ignorant trolls who "smile quietly" to get to page 2 and intelligent posts like yours. Amazing how so many people have difficulty reading anything more than a twitter tweet and can fail to understand a well written article with scientific references.

    Oh. Okay.
    Well no one can discount that genetic factors play a huge role in obesity. But that is far from the only determining factor. While those with the genetic propensity toward obesity may likely have to be more diligent in their diet and activity levels, there are also learned behaviors as well which cannot be overlooked. In fact, some scientists are even beginning to wonder if poor habits leading to obesity are difficult to change due to the degree to which they are practiced without deliberate action, while lifestyle changes require constant conscious choice. The rather nascent science of automaticity is only beginning to investigate the possibility incorporating new healthier behaviors into patients' lives by making them more automatic. This is something that, while intriguing, may raise ethical questions.

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S147101531100081X

    This is only one other contributing factor but it's the one that intrigues me the most. And now I'm done, not because I'm an idiot but because you're a jerk.

    And please feel free to go on your merry way as the discussion is clearly above your pay grade. The article references several studies which show the genetic connection to obesity. Its not the only answer, but a huge factor in explaining why so few people who are overweight can sustain their weight loss. Is that so controversial or difficult to understand? Perhaps for some. Read these forums if you doubt it. Clearly there is a metabolic quotient (?) that seems to be significantly different from person to person that may make long term possible difficult/impossible for some beyond the environmental ones.

    You keep saying the same thing and we keep saying the same other thing and even though I know you made this thread to get a rise out of us, I'm just going to say:

    We've read these forums. Some of us for many many years. If you think you can use any group of related posts to confirm or deny any of your claims, well good luck with that. Anyone who comes in here and acts the way you are acting is going to get his or her hat handed to him.

    Continue to be rude and argumentative, and that's what you will get in return. Post threads with titles and claims like this one and expect pictures and arguments. Attack long-time intelligent members and find yourself on the "other" end of friendly.

    Better to come in expecting the best rather than the worst.

    We eagerly await your next attempt at proving your non-point.

    Actually I have cited 4 scientific articles that address the issue. Your narrow viewpoint on what you read on a forum is not really compelling evidence to the contrary. And continuing to be argumentative "that my brother this", or "my sister that", is really not convincing evidence to dispute the fact that there are serious genetic reasons that may make real weight loss impossible for some. /how many people fail in ongoing weight loss 95%??? They are not all fat slobs who lack will power. There are genetic, chemical, and biological reasons that underly the problem.
  • OP if you are actually looking for a discussion with this (discussion including opposing points of views), then maybe you should stop insulting everyone.


    You may want to go back to the beginning to get an accurate count of who is being insulted. Blame the instigator not the retaliator. I've yet to see one single post that refutes the idea of a very strong genetic component. Unless you consider smart *kitten* memes, gifs, and personal insults to be evidence.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    Okay doctor:

    You're not getting it.

    Take away people's inability to over-eat by taking away their food, and no genetics in the history of the universe will prevent them from losing weight. And rapidly, at that.

    The only way to argue that genes are the problem is by arguing people do not, in fact, have free will.
    ignorance is bliss............

    Name calling.

    Beautiful.

    Sure sign of a strong argument. :laugh:
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,458 Member
    It was worth a page of ignorant trolls who "smile quietly" to get to page 2 and intelligent posts like yours. Amazing how so many people have difficulty reading anything more than a twitter tweet and can fail to understand a well written article with scientific references.

    Oh. Okay.
    Well no one can discount that genetic factors play a huge role in obesity. But that is far from the only determining factor. While those with the genetic propensity toward obesity may likely have to be more diligent in their diet and activity levels, there are also learned behaviors as well which cannot be overlooked. In fact, some scientists are even beginning to wonder if poor habits leading to obesity are difficult to change due to the degree to which they are practiced without deliberate action, while lifestyle changes require constant conscious choice. The rather nascent science of automaticity is only beginning to investigate the possibility incorporating new healthier behaviors into patients' lives by making them more automatic. This is something that, while intriguing, may raise ethical questions.

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S147101531100081X

    This is only one other contributing factor but it's the one that intrigues me the most. And now I'm done, not because I'm an idiot but because you're a jerk.

    And please feel free to go on your merry way as the discussion is clearly above your pay grade. The article references several studies which show the genetic connection to obesity. Its not the only answer, but a huge factor in explaining why so few people who are overweight can sustain their weight loss. Is that so controversial or difficult to understand? Perhaps for some. Read these forums if you doubt it. Clearly there is a metabolic quotient (?) that seems to be significantly different from person to person that may make long term possible difficult/impossible for some beyond the environmental ones.

    You keep saying the same thing and we keep saying the same other thing and even though I know you made this thread to get a rise out of us, I'm just going to say:

    We've read these forums. Some of us for many many years. If you think you can use any group of related posts to confirm or deny any of your claims, well good luck with that. Anyone who comes in here and acts the way you are acting is going to get his or her hat handed to him.

    Continue to be rude and argumentative, and that's what you will get in return. Post threads with titles and claims like this one and expect pictures and arguments. Attack long-time intelligent members and find yourself on the "other" end of friendly.

    Better to come in expecting the best rather than the worst.

    We eagerly await your next attempt at proving your non-point.

    Actually I have cited 4 scientific articles that address the issue. Your narrow viewpoint on what you read on a forum is not really compelling evidence to the contrary. And continuing to be argumentative "that my brother this", or "my sister that", is really not convincing evidence to dispute the fact that there are serious genetic reasons that may make real weight loss impossible for some. /how many people fail in ongoing weight loss 95%??? They are not all fat slobs who lack will power. There are genetic, chemical, and biological reasons that underly the problem.

    Thing is, we've read your links. And a lot of other ones. Believe it or not, we do know how to read. Your ability to google has not gone unrecognized. Great job.

    Now try applying what you read.

    We'll wait.
  • ModernNerd
    ModernNerd Posts: 336 Member
    I think most people accept there is a genetic component to body shape.
    Yes, Some people are more prone to weight gain than others, due to genetic factors.

    But that doesn't equate to people being 'helpless to control weight' as your thread title says.


    No amount of exercise and healthy eating is going to transform me into a petite bean pole - but it is going to make me within the healthy weight range for my height and build.


    Everyone can work with what they have got and everyone can control their weight - there is not a gene that makes it impossible to lose weight.

    Here is article that discusses the "genes" involved in obesity.

    http://healthland.time.com/2013/07/19/news-genes-idd-in-obesity-how-much-of-weight-is-genetic/

    *shrugs* maybe it's true, maybe it's not. I don't pretend to know more than doctors and scientists.

    BUT...

    being a stubborn young lady that I am, I'd like to think that I transcend science. Yes, I break physics. My pops essentially told me I didn't have "the build" to lift weights, that at best I'd seriously injure myself and at worst I'd break in half. Well here I am, chillin like a villian in the weight room and neither of those have happened yet. So til it does, I shall continue to buck what people tell me is "right." I think the same goes for people looking to lose weight. If you tell yourself you can't before you even start, then you've already lost the battle. But if you're stubborn and say "by golly jimmy gee ima break science and do it anyway" then at least you can say you tried.

    Good luck with whatever you're getting at OP:flowerforyou:
  • JenJBS
    JenJBS Posts: 83
    it seems like obesity is not what is being passed down. It's bad eating habits. It's the thought that you can sit around all day and never exercise, but still eat as much as you want. Genetics may play a role in metabolism or diseases such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, but a little personal responsibility goes a long way.

    Beautifully said!!! I completely agree!
  • It was worth a page of ignorant trolls who "smile quietly" to get to page 2 and intelligent posts like yours. Amazing how so many people have difficulty reading anything more than a twitter tweet and can fail to understand a well written article with scientific references.

    Oh. Okay.
    Well no one can discount that genetic factors play a huge role in obesity. But that is far from the only determining factor. While those with the genetic propensity toward obesity may likely have to be more diligent in their diet and activity levels, there are also learned behaviors as well which cannot be overlooked. In fact, some scientists are even beginning to wonder if poor habits leading to obesity are difficult to change due to the degree to which they are practiced without deliberate action, while lifestyle changes require constant conscious choice. The rather nascent science of automaticity is only beginning to investigate the possibility incorporating new healthier behaviors into patients' lives by making them more automatic. This is something that, while intriguing, may raise ethical questions.

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S147101531100081X

    This is only one other contributing factor but it's the one that intrigues me the most. And now I'm done, not because I'm an idiot but because you're a jerk.

    And please feel free to go on your merry way as the discussion is clearly above your pay grade. The article references several studies which show the genetic connection to obesity. Its not the only answer, but a huge factor in explaining why so few people who are overweight can sustain their weight loss. Is that so controversial or difficult to understand? Perhaps for some. Read these forums if you doubt it. Clearly there is a metabolic quotient (?) that seems to be significantly different from person to person that may make long term possible difficult/impossible for some beyond the environmental ones.

    You keep saying the same thing and we keep saying the same other thing and even though I know you made this thread to get a rise out of us, I'm just going to say:

    We've read these forums. Some of us for many many years. If you think you can use any group of related posts to confirm or deny any of your claims, well good luck with that. Anyone who comes in here and acts the way you are acting is going to get his or her hat handed to him.

    Continue to be rude and argumentative, and that's what you will get in return. Post threads with titles and claims like this one and expect pictures and arguments. Attack long-time intelligent members and find yourself on the "other" end of friendly.

    Better to come in expecting the best rather than the worst.

    We eagerly await your next attempt at proving your non-point.

    Actually I have cited 4 scientific articles that address the issue. Your narrow viewpoint on what you read on a forum is not really compelling evidence to the contrary. And continuing to be argumentative "that my brother this", or "my sister that", is really not convincing evidence to dispute the fact that there are serious genetic reasons that may make real weight loss impossible for some. /how many people fail in ongoing weight loss 95%??? They are not all fat slobs who lack will power. There are genetic, chemical, and biological reasons that underly the problem.

    Thing is, we've read your links. And a lot of other ones. Believe it or not, we do know how to read. Your ability to google has not gone unrecognized. Great job.

    Now try applying what you read.

    We'll wait.

    Then please refute the point with the wealth of evidence you have acquired.

    I have been waiting. Jump into the pool if you can
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    Then please refute the point with the wealth of evidence you have acquired.

    Strawman.

    The links provided do not make the point you are claiming.

    Until you understand that, there is insufficient grounds for meaningful discourse.
  • Okay doctor:

    You're not getting it.

    Take away people's inability to over-eat by taking away their food, and no genetics in the history of the universe will prevent them from losing weight. And rapidly, at that.

    The only way to argue that genes are the problem is by arguing people do not, in fact, have free will.
    ignorance is bliss............

    Name calling.

    Beautiful.

    Sure sign of a strong argument. :laugh:

    That is a really sound diet program you have there. When is the book coming out?

    "How to Lose Weight When I Take Away All your Food" by Mr Knight.

    Its not a realistic strategy for the millions of people who suffer from obesity and may have a genetic defect/issue.
  • Then please refute the point with the wealth of evidence you have acquired.

    Strawman.

    The links provided do not make the point you are claiming.

    Until you understand that, there is insufficient grounds for meaningful discourse.

    Yes they do.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,458 Member
    It was worth a page of ignorant trolls who "smile quietly" to get to page 2 and intelligent posts like yours. Amazing how so many people have difficulty reading anything more than a twitter tweet and can fail to understand a well written article with scientific references.

    Oh. Okay.
    Well no one can discount that genetic factors play a huge role in obesity. But that is far from the only determining factor. While those with the genetic propensity toward obesity may likely have to be more diligent in their diet and activity levels, there are also learned behaviors as well which cannot be overlooked. In fact, some scientists are even beginning to wonder if poor habits leading to obesity are difficult to change due to the degree to which they are practiced without deliberate action, while lifestyle changes require constant conscious choice. The rather nascent science of automaticity is only beginning to investigate the possibility incorporating new healthier behaviors into patients' lives by making them more automatic. This is something that, while intriguing, may raise ethical questions.

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S147101531100081X

    This is only one other contributing factor but it's the one that intrigues me the most. And now I'm done, not because I'm an idiot but because you're a jerk.

    And please feel free to go on your merry way as the discussion is clearly above your pay grade. The article references several studies which show the genetic connection to obesity. Its not the only answer, but a huge factor in explaining why so few people who are overweight can sustain their weight loss. Is that so controversial or difficult to understand? Perhaps for some. Read these forums if you doubt it. Clearly there is a metabolic quotient (?) that seems to be significantly different from person to person that may make long term possible difficult/impossible for some beyond the environmental ones.

    You keep saying the same thing and we keep saying the same other thing and even though I know you made this thread to get a rise out of us, I'm just going to say:

    We've read these forums. Some of us for many many years. If you think you can use any group of related posts to confirm or deny any of your claims, well good luck with that. Anyone who comes in here and acts the way you are acting is going to get his or her hat handed to him.

    Continue to be rude and argumentative, and that's what you will get in return. Post threads with titles and claims like this one and expect pictures and arguments. Attack long-time intelligent members and find yourself on the "other" end of friendly.

    Better to come in expecting the best rather than the worst.

    We eagerly await your next attempt at proving your non-point.

    Actually I have cited 4 scientific articles that address the issue. Your narrow viewpoint on what you read on a forum is not really compelling evidence to the contrary. And continuing to be argumentative "that my brother this", or "my sister that", is really not convincing evidence to dispute the fact that there are serious genetic reasons that may make real weight loss impossible for some. /how many people fail in ongoing weight loss 95%??? They are not all fat slobs who lack will power. There are genetic, chemical, and biological reasons that underly the problem.

    Thing is, we've read your links. And a lot of other ones. Believe it or not, we do know how to read. Your ability to google has not gone unrecognized. Great job.

    Now try applying what you read.

    We'll wait.

    Then please refute the point with the wealth of evidence you have acquired.

    I have been waiting. Jump into the pool if you can

    So much more interesting to watch you drown on your own.

    Look, these things are easily googled. That isn't the point. We granted you that there is "a" genetic link in obesity.

    What we're saying is it is more psychological than your ATGCs.
  • takumaku
    takumaku Posts: 352 Member
    While genetics play a role in more and more diseases, it's not an excuse. No one is perfect. We all have limitations, but limitations are not excuses. Improvise, Adapt and Overcome ... This is coming from someone who went from 245 to 160, all before finding out I suffered from low T. Was it hard prior to my diagnoses, hell yeah! But, I still drop the weight because I was determined. Is it easier now being on TRT, hell yeah!
  • It was worth a page of ignorant trolls who "smile quietly" to get to page 2 and intelligent posts like yours. Amazing how so many people have difficulty reading anything more than a twitter tweet and can fail to understand a well written article with scientific references.

    Oh. Okay.
    Well no one can discount that genetic factors play a huge role in obesity. But that is far from the only determining factor. While those with the genetic propensity toward obesity may likely have to be more diligent in their diet and activity levels, there are also learned behaviors as well which cannot be overlooked. In fact, some scientists are even beginning to wonder if poor habits leading to obesity are difficult to change due to the degree to which they are practiced without deliberate action, while lifestyle changes require constant conscious choice. The rather nascent science of automaticity is only beginning to investigate the possibility incorporating new healthier behaviors into patients' lives by making them more automatic. This is something that, while intriguing, may raise ethical questions.

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S147101531100081X

    This is only one other contributing factor but it's the one that intrigues me the most. And now I'm done, not because I'm an idiot but because you're a jerk.

    And please feel free to go on your merry way as the discussion is clearly above your pay grade. The article references several studies which show the genetic connection to obesity. Its not the only answer, but a huge factor in explaining why so few people who are overweight can sustain their weight loss. Is that so controversial or difficult to understand? Perhaps for some. Read these forums if you doubt it. Clearly there is a metabolic quotient (?) that seems to be significantly different from person to person that may make long term possible difficult/impossible for some beyond the environmental ones.

    You keep saying the same thing and we keep saying the same other thing and even though I know you made this thread to get a rise out of us, I'm just going to say:

    We've read these forums. Some of us for many many years. If you think you can use any group of related posts to confirm or deny any of your claims, well good luck with that. Anyone who comes in here and acts the way you are acting is going to get his or her hat handed to him.

    Continue to be rude and argumentative, and that's what you will get in return. Post threads with titles and claims like this one and expect pictures and arguments. Attack long-time intelligent members and find yourself on the "other" end of friendly.

    Better to come in expecting the best rather than the worst.

    We eagerly await your next attempt at proving your non-point.

    Actually I have cited 4 scientific articles that address the issue. Your narrow viewpoint on what you read on a forum is not really compelling evidence to the contrary. And continuing to be argumentative "that my brother this", or "my sister that", is really not convincing evidence to dispute the fact that there are serious genetic reasons that may make real weight loss impossible for some. /how many people fail in ongoing weight loss 95%??? They are not all fat slobs who lack will power. There are genetic, chemical, and biological reasons that underly the problem.

    Thing is, we've read your links. And a lot of other ones. Believe it or not, we do know how to read. Your ability to google has not gone unrecognized. Great job.

    Now try applying what you read.

    We'll wait.

    Then please refute the point with the wealth of evidence you have acquired.

    I have been waiting. Jump into the pool if you can

    So much more interesting to watch you drown on your own.

    Look, these things are easily googled. That isn't the point. We granted you that there is "a" genetic link in obesity.

    What we're saying is it is more psychological than your ATGCs.

    Far from drowning. And I would assert that the body of scientific evidence is showing that the genetic component may be stronger than the psycological and environmental issues for many people. Not all. But Some people are helpless in controling their weight.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,458 Member
    It was worth a page of ignorant trolls who "smile quietly" to get to page 2 and intelligent posts like yours. Amazing how so many people have difficulty reading anything more than a twitter tweet and can fail to understand a well written article with scientific references.

    Oh. Okay.
    Well no one can discount that genetic factors play a huge role in obesity. But that is far from the only determining factor. While those with the genetic propensity toward obesity may likely have to be more diligent in their diet and activity levels, there are also learned behaviors as well which cannot be overlooked. In fact, some scientists are even beginning to wonder if poor habits leading to obesity are difficult to change due to the degree to which they are practiced without deliberate action, while lifestyle changes require constant conscious choice. The rather nascent science of automaticity is only beginning to investigate the possibility incorporating new healthier behaviors into patients' lives by making them more automatic. This is something that, while intriguing, may raise ethical questions.

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S147101531100081X

    This is only one other contributing factor but it's the one that intrigues me the most. And now I'm done, not because I'm an idiot but because you're a jerk.

    And please feel free to go on your merry way as the discussion is clearly above your pay grade. The article references several studies which show the genetic connection to obesity. Its not the only answer, but a huge factor in explaining why so few people who are overweight can sustain their weight loss. Is that so controversial or difficult to understand? Perhaps for some. Read these forums if you doubt it. Clearly there is a metabolic quotient (?) that seems to be significantly different from person to person that may make long term possible difficult/impossible for some beyond the environmental ones.

    You keep saying the same thing and we keep saying the same other thing and even though I know you made this thread to get a rise out of us, I'm just going to say:

    We've read these forums. Some of us for many many years. If you think you can use any group of related posts to confirm or deny any of your claims, well good luck with that. Anyone who comes in here and acts the way you are acting is going to get his or her hat handed to him.

    Continue to be rude and argumentative, and that's what you will get in return. Post threads with titles and claims like this one and expect pictures and arguments. Attack long-time intelligent members and find yourself on the "other" end of friendly.

    Better to come in expecting the best rather than the worst.

    We eagerly await your next attempt at proving your non-point.

    Actually I have cited 4 scientific articles that address the issue. Your narrow viewpoint on what you read on a forum is not really compelling evidence to the contrary. And continuing to be argumentative "that my brother this", or "my sister that", is really not convincing evidence to dispute the fact that there are serious genetic reasons that may make real weight loss impossible for some. /how many people fail in ongoing weight loss 95%??? They are not all fat slobs who lack will power. There are genetic, chemical, and biological reasons that underly the problem.

    Thing is, we've read your links. And a lot of other ones. Believe it or not, we do know how to read. Your ability to google has not gone unrecognized. Great job.

    Now try applying what you read.

    We'll wait.

    Then please refute the point with the wealth of evidence you have acquired.

    I have been waiting. Jump into the pool if you can

    So much more interesting to watch you drown on your own.

    Look, these things are easily googled. That isn't the point. We granted you that there is "a" genetic link in obesity.

    What we're saying is it is more psychological than your ATGCs.


    And I would assert that the body of scientific evidence is showing that the genetic component may be stronger than the psycological and environmental issues for many people. Not all. But Some people are helpless in controling their weight.

    Great. You just keep on asserting victimhood and we'll keep on asserting personal responsibility.


    Helpless is the saddest word ever.
  • Fithealthyforlife
    Fithealthyforlife Posts: 866 Member
    But Some people are helpless in controling their weight.

    I agree with the above statement exactly as written. Key word is *people*. SOME people.

    But some of these helpless people have learned how not to be helpess.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learned_helplessness
  • You also get numerous other things from genetics, but you fix them. Somethings take a lot of work to fix, Being overweight is one of the most difficult ones. You do not give up and blame your ancestors.
  • You also get numerous other things from genetics, but you fix them. Some things take a lot of work to fix, Being overweight is one of the most difficult ones. You do not give up and blame your ancestors.
  • birdiecs
    birdiecs Posts: 237 Member
    Then please refute the point with the wealth of evidence you have acquired.

    Strawman.

    The links provided do not make the point you are claiming.

    Until you understand that, there is insufficient grounds for meaningful discourse.

    Yes they do.

    You forgot to stomp your feet and pout
  • LiftAllThePizzas
    LiftAllThePizzas Posts: 17,857 Member
    Are people helpless in controling their weight?
    Definitely. All the people here who appear to have controlled their weight through calorie counting are just a lucky coincidence.
  • Achrya
    Achrya Posts: 16,913 Member
    post-18141-Wednesday-Adams-Ill-be-the-vic-81j7.gif

    Just quoting for relevance.


    Enjoy your victim status.
  • LiftAllThePizzas
    LiftAllThePizzas Posts: 17,857 Member
    Also both my parents were obese. I have never been.
    While I agree with the larger point you made, FYI the above doesn't mean something is not genetic or heritable. You inherited half of your mother's genes and half of your father's genes. You also did not inherit the other 50% of each of their genes. So if for example a Mendelian dominant gene were responsible, both parents could each be heterozygous for it and 1 in 4 of their offspring would not inherit that allele and would not exhibit the same trait as the parents.
  • magerum
    magerum Posts: 12,589 Member
    More excuses. Personal accountability.
  • ElizaB84
    ElizaB84 Posts: 105 Member
    I think people inherit bad eating habits more than they inherit fat genes.

    But I am not a scientist.
  • Phoenix_Warrior
    Phoenix_Warrior Posts: 1,633 Member
    I'm always looking for more reasons I'm a genetic mutant because...Xmen.
  • Sjenny5891
    Sjenny5891 Posts: 717 Member
    Oh. Okay.
    Well no one can discount that genetic factors play a huge role in obesity. But that is far from the only determining factor. While those with the genetic propensity toward obesity may likely have to be more diligent in their diet and activity levels, there are also learned behaviors as well which cannot be overlooked. In fact, some scientists are even beginning to wonder if poor habits leading to obesity are difficult to change due to the degree to which they are practiced without deliberate action, while lifestyle changes require constant conscious choice. The rather nascent science of automaticity is only beginning to investigate the possibility incorporating new healthier behaviors into patients' lives by making them more automatic. This is something that, while intriguing, may raise ethical questions.

    Isn't MFP based on the principal of making people change their behavior? Counting Calories requires a deliberate planned action.
    Daily practice makes it automatic after a while. Would that make MFP unethical?
  • Sjenny5891
    Sjenny5891 Posts: 717 Member
    Who do you guys think would have the best chance to transform their body?

    1) An obese person with genetic disposition to be obese --but has all the knowledge and facts on how to lift and count calories and lose weight.

    2) A generally average obese person with no "fat gene" --but has no clue or experience ever actually losing weight or even knows where to begin?

    The person that keeps active.
    Ignorant people that are active can be lucky enough to burn off the calories they overeat, but the average person can still gain weight eating the "right" number of calories if they spend all day on the couch.
  • LiftAllThePizzas
    LiftAllThePizzas Posts: 17,857 Member


    If he had studied normal, slow weight loss we might not be having this conversation.

    "Normal, slow weight loss" has been studied.

    That method has the same abysmal regain rate as quick, fast, low calorie.

    None of the current methods of weight loss lead to lasting change in the vast majority of people. Call it a lifestyle change, slow and steady wins the race, etc, it all leads to the same road for the overwhelming majority of people.

    Fat and fat again.

    That's why the concentration has to be on a total and complete mind change AFTER the weight is gone, because how you lost it is proving to matter so little.

    I disagree with this and would like to see studies that compare the regain rates/percentages of people who did the different techniques. Also, I'd like to see the measurements be body fat instead of "pounds"....

    I think that there is a huge difference in success long term between people who do quick starvation diets and those who do slow and steady. First of all, slow and steady is sustainable and IS a lifestyle change. Second, when you lose weight by sever calorie restriction, you lose critical muscle mass which lowers your metabolism. You also encourage a mind-set of all or nothing... as opposed to a mind set of moderation.

    I did slow and steady, lost 50 lbs and gained back 20. But as I said, I would like to see the measurements not in pounds but in body fat...because my weight is up, but so is my muscle mass (I lift heavy). My body fat was down to 19% at it's lowest and is now up to 23%. Not something I'm ashamed of, considering I started in the ball park of 40% four years ago.

    You can chose to believe whatever you like, but it's the truth. Losing weight/fat/pounds/whatever, regardless of method, the overwhelming majority of times, in the overwhelming majority of people, leads to significant regaining of weight in the long term.

    Long term success is extremely rare, and even most of the 'successes' are people who managed to not gain back ALL the weight.

    There is no evidence that calling it a "lifestyle change", doing it the "slow, or "right", way leads to a great percentage of long term weight loss success. Those are popular dieting mantras that have no basis in fact at all. They just sound really good and encouraging, and for companies in the business of weight loss, they're great ways to keep people hooked for long periods of time.

    This article references a study where almost all the slow, moderate, and fast losers regained the weight. The difference was that the quicker losers, on the whole, enjoyed far more weight loss because they'd lost more in the same amount of time. Everyone regained about similar amounts of weight, regardless of rate of loss.
    http://triathlon.competitor.com/2011/11/nutrition/the-myth-of-slow-weight-loss_43011

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20443094

    An excerpt from the study:

    "Our study provides further evidence that, within the context of lifestyle treatment, losing weight at a fast initial rate leads to greater short-term weight reductions, does not result in increased susceptibility to weight regain, and is associated with larger weight losses and overall long-term success in weight management," the authors write in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine.

    Here is an analysis over over two dozen US studies, done across 5 years, comparing people who lost on a very low energy diet (less than 800 a day) vs a more balanced diet of 1200-1500 calories.

    The conclusions?

    "Participants who completed a very low energy diet programme lost significantly more weight and maintained greater weight losses after four to five years than those who completed a hypoenergetic balanced diet programme".

    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/74/5/579.long



    Anecdotally I've lost slow, and lost fast. Regain rates were the same following each type of loss. I have never seen any advantage to slowing down weight loss, except frustration. Most important is how you adjust after you lose weight, regardless of how you lost it.

    I challenge you to find a single study that champions strong long term success for slow, "lifestyle" change dieters.
    Regardless of all of this, I guarantee you that 100% of the people who regained did so because they ate above maintenance, and 100% of the people who did not regain were because they did not eat above maintenance.
  • Sjenny5891
    Sjenny5891 Posts: 717 Member
    And please feel free to go on your merry way as the discussion is clearly above your pay grade. The article references several studies which show the genetic connection to obesity. Its not the only answer, but a huge factor in explaining why so few people who are overweight can sustain their weight loss. Is that so controversial or difficult to understand? Perhaps for some. Read these forums if you doubt it. Clearly there is a metabolic quotient (?) that seems to be significantly different from person to person that may make long term possible difficult/impossible for some beyond the environmental ones.

    You keep saying the same thing and we keep saying the same other thing and even though I know you made this thread to get a rise out of us, I'm just going to say:

    We've read these forums. Some of us for many many years. If you think you can use any group of related posts to confirm or deny any of your claims, well good luck with that. Anyone who comes in here and acts the way you are acting is going to get his or her hat handed to him.

    Continue to be rude and argumentative, and that's what you will get in return. Post threads with titles and claims like this one and expect pictures and arguments. Attack long-time intelligent members and find yourself on the "other" end of friendly.

    Better to come in expecting the best rather than the worst.

    We eagerly await your next attempt at proving your non-point.
    [/quote]

    Actually I have cited 4 scientific articles that address the issue. Your narrow viewpoint on what you read on a forum is not really compelling evidence to the contrary. And continuing to be argumentative "that my brother this", or "my sister that", is really not convincing evidence to dispute the fact that there are serious genetic reasons that may make real weight loss impossible for some. /how many people fail in ongoing weight loss 95%??? They are not all fat slobs who lack will power. There are genetic, chemical, and biological reasons that underly the problem.
    [/quote] END QUOTE

    How do you fit into this study? You have lost 47 pounds in three months. If you stop exercising and start eating like you did before you started MFP you would gain the weight back.

    Two plus two equals four. If you eat more calories than you burn you will gain weight. SOME people have physical conditions that make it hard for them to lose weight. MOST people gain the weight back because they went back to the old habbits.

    Your studies said the people went back to their old ways. OBVIOUSLY they were bound to gain the weight back. Find me a study that shows people that kept following the menu and exercise schedule they were on that they gained everything back.
  • hastingsmassage
    hastingsmassage Posts: 162 Member
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