Are some people doomed to obesity? - The science of weight loss
onelentilatatime
Posts: 208 Member
Great article in this week's New Scientist on the science of individual differences in weight loss and weight gain. They start with the perennial question of why someone people seem to be able to eat what they want and not put on weight.
I have always believed that I have put on weight because I eat too much, not because anything is faulty with my metabolism. The article backs this up and debunks a few Myths such as 'Skinny people have higher metabolisms,' 'Thin people digest less food' and 'Dieting permanently reduces your metabolic rate.'
However, I have also thought there may be biological reasons why I eat too much. The article comes up with intriguing evidence. When researchers give study participants too much to eat, the thin and fat people respond differently. Thin people naturally adjust their food intake, eat less and become more active. Fat people don't. In fact, the food makes them sluggish and less active. This finding really chimes with me. My body does have a mechanisms that naturally regulates what I eat, but it's quite easy to break that mechanism and bury it in food. The natural regulation only starts when I have been eating healthily for a while.
My conclusion is that I (and hopefully you too) am not doomed to obesity. But I have to work a little harder than others to avoid overeating. I have to work harder to listen to my body, and wait a little longer for the feeling of fullness. Although the work is getting easier.
If this stuff is interesting to you or you have similar experiences would love to hear from you or receive friend requests.
I have always believed that I have put on weight because I eat too much, not because anything is faulty with my metabolism. The article backs this up and debunks a few Myths such as 'Skinny people have higher metabolisms,' 'Thin people digest less food' and 'Dieting permanently reduces your metabolic rate.'
However, I have also thought there may be biological reasons why I eat too much. The article comes up with intriguing evidence. When researchers give study participants too much to eat, the thin and fat people respond differently. Thin people naturally adjust their food intake, eat less and become more active. Fat people don't. In fact, the food makes them sluggish and less active. This finding really chimes with me. My body does have a mechanisms that naturally regulates what I eat, but it's quite easy to break that mechanism and bury it in food. The natural regulation only starts when I have been eating healthily for a while.
My conclusion is that I (and hopefully you too) am not doomed to obesity. But I have to work a little harder than others to avoid overeating. I have to work harder to listen to my body, and wait a little longer for the feeling of fullness. Although the work is getting easier.
If this stuff is interesting to you or you have similar experiences would love to hear from you or receive friend requests.
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Is there a link to it? Or is it just on paper?0
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Nice summary though. Thanks.0
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New Scientist is a non-peer reviewed "journal". Essentially scientific tabloid.
Use a large grain of salt.0 -
This is what I believe, intuitively, to be true too. Thank you for the review.-1
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You have to sweat it out if you want to lose weight. It will happen if you want it to happen. You are the one deciding how would you want yourself be. Are you gonna let it lead you to obesity? You should have a goal to be fit and healthy and a will to finish the race.0
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herrspoons wrote: »How many obese PoWs were there in Burma during WWII and how many obese Jews and Roma in Auschwitz or Dachau?
So, no.
They needed to check their thin-privilege.0 -
I haven't read the article, but it sounds interesting and fits with what I see. Some people do seem to be naturally slim, and it's not because they're permanently dieting. There does seem to be quite a big genetic component to the tendency to obesity. People born underweight are more likely to become obese later too. I think it's good to be aware that there are genetic/biological factors, and it's not the same experience for everybody - some of us WILL have to work harder. I think that's useful to know. And encouraging that we're not doomed!0
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I haven't read the article, but it sounds interesting and fits with what I see. Some people do seem to be naturally slim, and it's not because they're permanently dieting. There does seem to be quite a big genetic component to the tendency to obesity. People born underweight are more likely to become obese later too. I think it's good to be aware that there are genetic/biological factors, and it's not the same experience for everybody - some of us WILL have to work harder. I think that's useful to know. And encouraging that we're not doomed!
and you hit the nail on the head, "some of us WILL have to work harder". But as stated no one can't lost weight, it takes effort no matter who you are, but mostly people are lazy and then they blame genetics.......... its not genetics its laziness0 -
onelentilatatime wrote: »Great article in this week's New Scientist on the science of individual differences in weight loss and weight gain. They start with the perennial question of why someone people seem to be able to eat what they want and not put on weight.
I have always believed that I have put on weight because I eat too much, not because anything is faulty with my metabolism. The article backs this up and debunks a few Myths such as 'Skinny people have higher metabolisms,' 'Thin people digest less food' and 'Dieting permanently reduces your metabolic rate.'
However, I have also thought there may be biological reasons why I eat too much. The article comes up with intriguing evidence. When researchers give study participants too much to eat, the thin and fat people respond differently. Thin people naturally adjust their food intake, eat less and become more active. Fat people don't. In fact, the food makes them sluggish and less active. This finding really chimes with me. My body does have a mechanisms that naturally regulates what I eat, but it's quite easy to break that mechanism and bury it in food. The natural regulation only starts when I have been eating healthily for a while.
My conclusion is that I (and hopefully you too) am not doomed to obesity. But I have to work a little harder than others to avoid overeating. I have to work harder to listen to my body, and wait a little longer for the feeling of fullness. Although the work is getting easier.
If this stuff is interesting to you or you have similar experiences would love to hear from you or receive friend requests.
Just out of interest why have you thought there were biological reasons you eat too much? is it because you have overweight people in your family? I tend to believe that obesity is more related to what we are taught rather than genetics but I'm open to science that may prove otherwise.0 -
Yes, it usually involves a lot of excuses. Those are doomed to obesity. And a very few with genetic disorders. Some have to work a LOT harder than others but doomed? I don't think so.0
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Doomed, no, I don't believe this is true, at least for most people. It takes effort and perseverance to succeed. Once you have achieved your weight goal, it takes effort and perseverance to stay @ a healthy weight. That is true across the board, whether you have lost 100's of pounds or just a few pounds. The statistics for regaining the weight you have lost, and often times even more, are staggeringly high. Some people eat to live, others live to eat. I am one who lives to eat, hence my becoming morbidly obese and my struggling to stay at a "normal" weight. For me it is a lifetime commitment now. I don't think people are lazy, I think there are a multitude of reasons that enter into eating habits and it is hard. Some of us have to constantly monitor ourselves. Arriving at maintenance is only the beginning.0
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glenmchale wrote: »I haven't read the article, but it sounds interesting and fits with what I see. Some people do seem to be naturally slim, and it's not because they're permanently dieting. There does seem to be quite a big genetic component to the tendency to obesity. People born underweight are more likely to become obese later too. I think it's good to be aware that there are genetic/biological factors, and it's not the same experience for everybody - some of us WILL have to work harder. I think that's useful to know. And encouraging that we're not doomed!
and you hit the nail on the head, "some of us WILL have to work harder". But as stated no one can't lost weight, it takes effort no matter who you are, but mostly people are lazy and then they blame genetics.......... its not genetics its laziness
I think that was the point of the article though... that it's harder for some people than others. And I definitely agree with that... or there wouldn't be so many obese people, IMO. I know some 'naturally thin people' - they have a much better notion of moderation than me. They don't eat much at all compared to me (ok, they don't exercise, but still). It's easy for them to stop after a small piece of something... for me, not so much. So obviously it will be easier for them to lose weight if they have to. What's interesting though is finding the reason why some of us tend to overeat.
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GuitarJerry wrote: »The thing about someone who has been heavy their whole life, is they look at someone who is thin, and automatically think it's easy. It's not. It takes an incredible amount of effort every single day to maintain that. It takes dedication, discipline, and very hard work. I tell people all the time that if you followed me around for a week and saw the amount of energy I put into my food and exercise, most people would freak out. It's a lot of damn work. It makes you wonder if it's even worth it. It's close to crazy-town. But, it gets results and I don't mind it. But, it's very difficult to go from zero to 60 in one day. I've been at this game for years now. I've slowly worked up into it and it's a lifestyle for me.
I would suggest that you not read articles that say it's not your fault ;that you are pre-destined to be fat; and set-point theory. It's complete crap. It's not based on science or research.
I see some here saying, "that seems right" or "that seems intuitive". Bull crap. It's dead wrong. If you are basically healthy, eating food at a moderate deficit will get you losing weight. It's that simple. You are not genetically pre-destined to be fat.
Did the article say 'it's not your fault'?? I can't see the article, but from the OP it didn't seem to be about "fault" at all.
It is easier for some people. I would think that should be obvious to everyone. Many factors can make it easier or harder to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Genetics, family, environment, lifestyle, disease, injury, ... the list is very long. None of that means it can't be done. But it's not hard work for everyone, and it's not easy for everyone. What is considered 'hard' or 'easy' isn't even going to be the same for everyone.0 -
well, I have some skinny *ss friends who really can eat, and do eat a LOT. Much more than me - and they never worry about their clothes not fitting.
As they get older, they worry more - but, when we were all young together, - not a problem. As an example - one friend ate 6 lobsters, and several dozen clams - at a party. I ate one, and 2 clams. She burns it off, and I don't.
Exercise expenditure - could be part of it. My friends aren't lazy. they work and play hard. I do believe a key ingredient is moving - the more we move, the less we have to track or care.
But I also saw recently on one of the news broadcasts, a mention of a research study that if we have overweight parents, it's genetically built into us that we'll suffer similarly. So, is it the drive to move that's part of our dna mapping?
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Yeah, that picture set sums it up super well.
Good job McHale.0 -
A lot of my 'skinny' friends seem to really enjoy eating fish and vegetables, and are very happy with that as their diet. I have to choke that kind of stuff down and really don't enjoy it. Now, I know that we're supposed to separate food from emotions or rewards but still...it would be nice if I ever got a craving for some kale.RoseyDgirl wrote: »well, I have some skinny *ss friends who really can eat, and do eat a LOT. Much more than me - and they never worry about their clothes not fitting.
As they get older, they worry more - but, when we were all young together, - not a problem. As an example - one friend ate 6 lobsters, and several dozen clams - at a party. I ate one, and 2 clams. She burns it off, and I don't.
Exercise expenditure - could be part of it. My friends aren't lazy. they work and play hard. I do believe a key ingredient is moving - the more we move, the less we have to track or care.
But I also saw recently on one of the news broadcasts, a mention of a research study that if we have overweight parents, it's genetically built into us that we'll suffer similarly. So, is it the drive to move that's part of our dna mapping?
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But wouldn't it be easy if you felt the opposite? They never have to worry about their weight. Just eatin' kale and going, "mmmmm this kale is so awesome it's like the BEST KALE EVER I can't wait until I'm done eating this kale so I can go eat some more kale".
That's how I feel about Giant Chewy Sweet-Tarts.
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I like kale. So much I grew 10 square feet of it. Which all then got attacked by slugs... so now I have no kale.
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trinatrina1984 wrote: »Just out of interest why have you thought there were biological reasons you eat too much? is it because you have overweight people in your family? I tend to believe that obesity is more related to what we are taught rather than genetics but I'm open to science that may prove otherwise.
Thanks for the comments. I wanted to respond to this one and others by saying that "biological reasons" doesn't necessarily mean genetic. I could imagine, for example, that years of overeating have disrupted hormonal responses to food. Also, biological doesn't mean deterministic or inevitable. I still think there are things I can do about it.
There are two ways that my body responds to food differently from thin friends. First, it takes a lot longer for the feeling of fullness after eating. Second, whereas my friends cannot look at food after overeating, I can keep going. Sometimes it makes me crave food even more.
Neither of these things should inevitably lead to overeating. With a bit of planning, monitoring and self-control you can get round them. And the good news is that I find the longer I keep eating a healthy diet the less of a problem they are.0 -
LMAO- I'm glad there are people out there like that so I can feel that way about my ice cream- and you can feel that way about your sweet tarts.
But wouldn't it be easy if you felt the opposite? They never have to worry about their weight. Just eatin' kale and going, "mmmmm this kale is so awesome it's like the BEST KALE EVER I can't wait until I'm done eating this kale so I can go eat some more kale".
That's how I feel about Giant Chewy Sweet-Tarts.
more for us.0 -
New Scientist is a non-peer reviewed "journal". Essentially scientific tabloid.
Use a large grain of salt.
But there has been real research on "people who can eat anything they want and not gain weight" that has showed these same things--for a couple of days after high calorie intake, thin people will increase activity and decrease intake to balance it all out. This is not new information.
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EatsNotTreats wrote: »Many diseases usually result from a combination of nature (genotype) and nurture (phenotype). So is it possible that there is a genetic variability in obesity tendency? Absolutely. Is it also possible that the obese people have to make changes to what they are doing if they want to be thin? Absolutely.
So just out of curiosity, why do people think that there is an obesity epidemic now which was not there before??? I understand that this is a CICO forum and people will say well, it's because obese people eat more and exercise less. Ok, if this is your theory, fine.
But why are they doing it NOW??? Why was there never an obesity epidemic before????? And why has the number of EXTREMELY OBESE people skyrocketed in the last few decades????
Because only in the last few decades has food been so cheap and so abundant. Evolution hasn't caught up to this change, so we continue to crave and consume high fat and sugar foods, which would have helped us survive times when food was scarce, even just 200 years ago.
One hundred years ago, most jobs were physically demanding. Now, most jobs require little physical effort. More food + less physical activity = more obesity.
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RoseyDgirl wrote: »
But I also saw recently on one of the news broadcasts, a mention of a research study that if we have overweight parents, it's genetically built into us that we'll suffer similarly. So, is it the drive to move that's part of our dna mapping?
Weight gain is 30% genetics, 70% environment. I come from a long line of fat women. My mother seemed to buck this trend and was a fairly normal weight until my brother and I were in our teens, then she got fat. Why? She became incredibly sedentary when she didn't have to run around after two kids and she refused to do any type of exercise--just like my other obese relatives. It's much easier to sit on the couch and eat than get up and move if you don't have to.
My brother is fat--he tries to claim genetics, but I've seen him eat and his genes are not the problem.
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The first stages of changing over are the hardest. Once your body gets used to the smaller portions and the increased activity, it becomes your new normal. It took me about three months. And you do have to be vigilant and not slip back into old ways... but you're not doomed.
Now if you have thyroid disease and you can't lose weight no matter what, talk to your doctor about trying different thyroid meds. Synthetic levothyroxine works great for some; others require actual dehydrated pig thyroid products (avoiding brand names so some spaz doesn't flag me for spam, god ppl are cray cray on here lol) and generic levothyroxine tends to be weaker and very unreliable. I didn't lose on a very strict diet with the synthetic hormone, but the weight started coming off when I was switched to natural.
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The only people 'doomed' to obesity are the ones that grasp at any reason to justify feeling that they are doomed to obesity.-1
This discussion has been closed.
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