Recently Psychology Today discussed various prominent theories regarding obesity and the difficulties in losing weight.
Some say obesity is largely predetermined by our genes and biology; others attribute it to an overabundance of fries, soda, and screen-sucking; still others think we’re fat because of viral infection, insulin, or the metabolic conditions we encountered in the womb.
These are the main theories of obesity, and in fact they are not mutually exclusive. Genetics and biology play a vital role in obesity. The modern diet and sedentary lifestyle are important factors.
There may be effects of viruses and other metabolic causes as well. But at this time science has not yet developed any practical measures in regard to this. So this is of interest primarily to researchers.
A consensus is emerging that the conventional wisdom—eat less, exercise more—is inadequate at best. A quick look at our collective waistline makes it painfully clear the old equation—calories in minus calories out equals weight change—is fundamentally flawed.
This is a more important aspect of obesity control than is generally appreciated. The “conventional wisdom” — eat less, exercise more, is not just inadequate. It is frankly harmful.
Many people take this advice to heart, and they do eat less and exercise more. Sometimes they get the results they were hoping for; sometimes they do not.
And therefore when someone follows this advice but does not lose weight as a result, they tend to blame themselves. They feel that there must be something wrong with them. It can be very discouraging.
Research shows not every calorie is created equal, and different bodies use calories in different ways. We’re programmed to hang onto the fat we have, and some people are predisposed to create and carry more fat than others.
In times of famine there is a survival value in storing extra calories. Human bodies developed during times of food scarcity. Therefore bodies are genetically programmed to effectively store extra calories.
This is more prominent in some body types and in some ethnic groups than in others. But research and experience has made it quite clear: if you have a body that is efficient at storing calories you will be much more likely to be obese and you will have much more difficulty losing weight.
That being said, it is also true that bodies cannot defy the laws of physics. Therefore if you consume more energy than you burn — and fat is the body’s storage form of energy — you will gain weight.
And if you burn more calories than you consume — however you manage to do that — you will lose weight. And this is true regardless of your genes, your hormones or any other factors.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200806/five-stealth-forces-in-weight-loss
