It can be difficult knowing exactly how to approach weight loss. If you have been struggling to shed the kilos, understanding why becoming slender is such a stubborn state-of-affairs can be confusing and confounding – particularly if you only see the problem framed in terms of calorie consumption.
But, what is the role of lifestyle and genetics in weight loss? And, how can you tip the scales in your favour when you are dealing with predetermined factors?
A correlation between genetics and weight loss
We often assume having a fabulously fit body comes down to willpower and exercise, but studies have shown that there may be more to this equation, and this factor surrounds our DNA. The building blocks of life – the helix strands that compose our body’s essential build up – have an important part to play in explaining why some people get better results from weight loss programs than others.
Researchers have found that the complexities of genetics correlate to susceptibility in gaining or losing weight, depending of how we may carry fat or build muscle, alongside the varied success we may experience as individuals in relation to diet/exercise regimes. Simply put, we may put in the same work and discipline – however, some of us are geared to being more slender – as embedded in our genetic codes. Effectively, it’s nature’s bias.
The results of studies published in Time Magazine (reproduced from academic journals Science and the Journal of Clinical Investigation) show that the human body’s composition (in terms of fat and mass) is associated with many genes, the quantities thereof, their interaction with each other and with other biological catalysts and molecular proteins – such as hormones and enzymes. This is in combination with a great number of other complex factors that form metabolic processes – including the messages that our brain sends to our body.
The scientific evidence
This may work to create a positive effect for weight loss. For example, having two CYP19 genes correlates with a slightly larger decrease in body mass index (BMI) and a significantly larger decrease in total fat and percentage of body fat. Having a particular genotype of the COMT gene (along with at least one copy of the CYP19 gene) also coincides with a significantly larger decrease in BMI, total fat, and percentage of body fat. This translates to that person who seems to eat a lot, but struggles to put on weight.
On the other hand, certain genetic mutations may erode appetite control and metabolism. Here, we commonly see hormones leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, and neuropeptide Y at play. Having an imbalance, or a less-than-optimal amount of of these chemicals floating around your body can pose considerable obstacles for weight loss. This might look like that individual who follows a balanced and low fat/low sugar diet and who exercises regularly, but still can’t manage to significantly alter their BMI, or shift that number that looms large on the scales.
Synchronicity with lifestyle factors
As recognised by the growing body of scientific evidence on the topic, the indicators for weight loss form a complex issue from a biological standpoint. To make things seemingly more difficult, environment factors are also a very big piece of the puzzle. This relates to the impact of lifestyle on weight loss, with such things as emotions, stress and sleep quality playing a central role in maintaining a slender physique.
For example, consider the impact of the brain chemical Neuropeptide Y. This hormone triggers eating by manipulating appetite as it responds to changes experienced by the individual in mood and stress levels – possibly resulting from lack of sleep and depression. It may also contribute to an increased deposition of fat from food calories. In this way, your day-to-day life circumstances may be the mitigating factor in your ability to lose weight.
How to tip the scales in your favour
You may find it disheartening to understand that being disposed to a slender body type is akin to a game of biological lottery. But, the upside of this recognition on the broader scale is that researchers can develop scientific methods to counteract the effects of genetic predispositions for weight loss.
It is always important to realise that there are a variety of environmental factors that can assist your weight loss journey, sometimes it may be as simple as finding a way to dial down your stress levels, or making sure you get enough shut eye. Remember, an effective weight loss solution is less about diet, and more about your lifestyle choices long term.