When it comes to obesity, who hasn't heard the argument that the reason for obesity comes from a genetic line? I for one think that this is the most ridiculous argument ever and see it only as an excuse that people who don't want to exercise and eat right use so they can remain fat and have a reason to do so. But, in the July 2008 issue of Discover Magazine, two recent studies that could contradict this belief were explained in a short article (http://discovermagazine.com/2008/jul/03-whodunnit-tv-or-fast-food-or-gen...).
The studies involved cracking the genetic code of both mice and humans to see whether there is a "fat gene" somewhere in the human system. The finding was that 17,000 genes interact with each to correlate with Body Mass Index, which is your height over your weight. They also find that there are 14,900 genes that correlate with your hip-to-waist ratio. Notice which words are used here though; correlation and not causation.
My guess is that these genes correlate with low energy level, which causes laziness, or something near this. This would provide an obstacle in the path to healthy weight, which most Americans and global citizens would not want to take. I am determined that there is no genetic predisposition to be obese. I am sure that for some people it would be impossible to be deemed skinny, but I am talking about a healthy weight here. A healthy weight has a body mass index between 18.5 and 25. In order to calculate your BMI, take your weight in pounds, multiply by 703, and divide it by your height in inches squared.
BMI = (lbs x 703) / (in square)
Now, this could also be misleading. I have a friend who weighs 250 pounds, would not be called skinny, but is one of the best athletes our school has. He is severely obese by BMI standards, but this is because muscle weighs more than fat. So, get your body fat percentage checked out if you'd like a more accurate reading. A recommended body fat percentage is 8-14% in men and 20-25% in women. Don't worry men, they aren't getting the easy way out. We don't have to give childbirth and prepare for it.
I think that no matter what the findings are, America needs to realize that we all have the capability to be healthy and no one should ever give up on their health just because a researcher has found a gene that might correlate with obesity. If I were these researchers, I'd not release my findings because the world would see it as an excuse and nothing would change with one of our world's biggest problems. Thanks for reading and I hope to hear some comments.
Perhaps the genetics just make it more likely to become obese while others are more likely to remain thin regardless of what is eaten. Some have thyroid problems that can cause obesity despite food intake or exercise levels. The fact of the matter is - not everyone in the same. And those who ARE obese, I am sure they don't want to be and try to lose the weight. It's just easier for some than for others. I hate the fact the obese people are pressured into thinness so much that they resort to starvation, drugs, and eating disorders to get there. Beauty is only skin deep.....
I agree that there are exceptions (although small) to people who cannot control their weight. Another example is those taking a lot of psychological drugs that alter your thyroid hormone levels.
I also agree that starvation, drugs, eating disorders, lypo are all bad decisions to lose weight. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but if your loved one or family member or friend is obese, it is unhealthy for them to maintain that weight. I think that everyone shouldn't be striving for thinness, but instead they should be striving for healthiness. And if you want to be healthy, bulimia is not the answer.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/nharris1032
I was going to make the exact same comment. There is definitely a genetic component to body size. It may not be the direct cause of obesity, but one's genetics determine how a body responds to excess food and inadequate exercise. If it were purely lifestyle, I should be HUGE! Instead, I am skinny and hypoglycemic, and able to get up and run a 5K with no training. I got lucky and I recognize that I am not normal. I would never judge someone who can't eat a be lazy like I am. Plus, once a body does become overweight, it is VERY hard to be active.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Haha. That is funny. Great minds think alike
You are lucky about your situation, just like me! But you are right that it is HARD to get out of the downward cycle of obesity, but it also is not impossible. It takes effort to do so, but it is possible.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/nharris1032
I learned alot from taking a nutrition class in college. If a child has 2 obese parents they have a very very high chance of being obese. If one parent is obese they have a 50% chance. Sometimes it really is genetics. People have tried everything and just can't lose weight. The alternative option is Bypass surgery.
As for me I am obese by standards but I have alot of muscle. I have rather muscular arms for a woman. I am small frame as well. LOL I wear a size 4 shoe in girls. But my rib cage is bigger and my hips. I have problems losing weight but it is pure laziness. I am working on it though. I want to feel beautiful and sexy. Most people that is the case they are lazy.
The best exercise for someone who is obese is bicycle riding. I also learned that in nutrition.
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
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Nice comment. With your study about obese parents though, you're forgetting about the fact that the person who shapes a child's eating habits is their parents. This could be the 100% cause of the high percentage of obesity in children of obese parents. However, there were studies done on identical twins to determine how much of obesity is heritable, and there was a definite possibility.
And, from what it sounds like, you seem like you are at a healthy weight and you should feel good about yourself. That is the problem with America's perception of thin; it no longer means healthy.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/nharris1032
Yes the shaping comes from the parents. It has been shown though that in some families the "gene" i guess you could call it affects some families. Most of it I agree is preventable.
Thin doesn't mean healthy, but I could be thinner. Once I am I will feel good about myself. I used to have an eating disorder and was around 120 I looked like a skeletion because although I am small boned my waist "bones" and rib cage is larger than normal. Plus the height factor. 5'2 makes my limbs shorter therefore making my body naturally look weird lol.
It is hard for many guys and girls to accept their bodies and appearance. I accept it more than I used to but know It won't hurt me to lose some weight. Although I do not want to go back to being anorexic I will settle for being at a good weight that I like.
Screw the BMI as well. Also from nutrition class...lol. I learned that lower body weight is healthier than upper body weight. I some what thought this but it proved it correct. since more weight is around vital organs it makes them work harder than people with lower body weight. Mine likes to go into my stomach,hips and thighs. These are really my only "problem" areas. I believe that this is common for many people. woman and men.
I am trying to work on my laziness. I procrastionate and it is hard for me to get motivated, but I will. LOL
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
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Yeah. The hardest part is getting over that first hump, but then when you get used to it it will be easier. I don't know how I'm going to stay in shape during college (just graduated high school). I've always had a sport so I've never had to worry about getting myself to go to the gym, because I've always had to. It'll be interesting to see whether or not the Freshman 15 hits me or not.
That makes a lot of sense about the leg weight, because most weight you get in your legs is muscles (unless you have cankles). That is usually the last thing to go before you are defined as huge. But BMIs are totally wrong, like I said about my friend earlier. But they also are a good resource for those who do not have the capabilities to look at other things.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/nharris1032
Joint two intermural teams right off the bat! You'll get two nights a week of a sport and you'll meet people to hang out with! I recommend two because one night a week is not enough, and you run the risk of injury with that little working out.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Definitely a good call. I already signed up for a lot of them and I'm hoping it is as cool as everyone who has done it before is saying. Thanks for the advice!
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/nharris1032