In recent decades, scientists have identified an increasing number of hormones, chemicals, and genes that play a role in weight control.
This has tipped the balance away from behavior and towards biology as the major force impacting an individual’s body weight. The idea that something as fixed as your body’s genetic code or hormone responses can impact your weight can be frustrating because there is little you can do to change them. However, the effect of these biological factors is limited in that they can only shape your overall risk for obesity or increase your body’s resistance to weight loss; they don’t predetermine your future weight.
If you engage in weight controlling behaviors like exercising and monitoring your caloric intake, and adjust your environment to support these behaviors by limiting sedentary activities and filling your cupboards and refrigerator with low calorically dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and grains, you will be able to achieve a weight that is healthy for your body. You may even be able to alter the expression of the genes related to obesity.
It may require constant effort and awareness, which may seem unfair when family and friends around you eat whatever they want and not gain a pound. However, many people over the years have had to overcome biological barriers to achieve what they want so you’re not alone in your struggle—especially when it comes to achieving long term weight control.
Cari is a Registered Dietitian and Director of Wellspring Wisconsin (wellspringweightloss.com).
