Do you find yourself constantly feeling unsatisfied with your weight? Do you spend most of your time in sedentary pursuits, such as working or studying, simply to avoid the gym? Do you find that healthy eating is constantly impeded by your cravings for junk food? If so, it might be time for a change. Studies suggest that a sedentary lifestyle and frequent food cravings can lead to health issues, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. With the right guidance, however, you might be able to stop eating whenever you want and still maintain a healthy weight.
The Science Behind Weight Loss
When you want to lose weight, it’s natural to want to reduce the amount of calories you consume. After all, as the saying goes, calories in, calories out. However, it’s not that simple. While it is true that you’ll burn more calories than you consume, your body actually functions on a number of levels to ensure that you store as little as possible. When you take into account all of these factors, you’ll realize that reducing your daily calorie intake isn’t as easy as it seems. Here’s a closer look at the science behind weight loss.
The Hunger Gene
A gene called FPLD1 controls food preferences in humans. People with two copies of the FPLD1 gene have a stronger food desire than people who have one copy. In other words, they have a sweet tooth. This gene also influences the body’s responses to certain foods, such as chocolate, chili, and tomatoes. Scientists believe that this gene could influence whether you want to or need to eat certain foods, as well as how much of them you crave. Based on this research, it’s clear that you’re not going to simply lose weight by reducing your diet. Instead, you might need to modify it based on your individual preferences and needs.
The Reward Gene
A similar gene called ADRB3 also influences food preferences in humans. People with two copies of the ADRB3 gene have a stronger reward response to food than people who have one copy. In other words, those with this gene tend to eat more food, especially when they’re emotionally aroused or bored. Scientists believe that this gene could influence whether you want to or need to eat certain foods, as well as how much of them you crave. Based on this research, it’s clear that you’re not going to simply lose weight by reducing your diet. Instead, you might need to modify it based on your individual preferences and needs.
The Fat Storage Gene
There’s also the fat storage gene, FTO, which influences your body’s responses to food. People with a gene called FTO have a higher rate of fat storage than those who do not have this gene. In other words, those with FTO tend to gain weight even when they eat the same food as those without it. Scientists believe that this gene could influence whether you want to or need to eat certain foods, as well as how much of them you crave. Based on this research, it’s clear that you’re not going to simply lose weight by reducing your diet. Instead, you might need to modify it based on your individual preferences and needs.
Carbohydrate Restriction
Another way your body prevents weight gain is by restricting your intake of carbohydrates. This gene, PCKT1, influences your body’s responses to carbohydrates. People with two copies of this gene have a higher glucose tolerance than those who have one copy. In other words, those with PCKT1 tend to gain weight easily, even when they eat what is considered a healthy diet. Based on this research, it’s clear that you’re not going to simply lose weight by reducing your diet. Instead, you might need to modify it based on your individual preferences and needs.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Your weight is also measured in terms of your body mass index (BMI). Simply put, it’s a calculation of your weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of your height (in meters). BMI is used to determine your health risks, such as whether you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes or heart disease. Unfortunately, people with a high BMI are more likely to overeat and get the diseases mentioned above. According to experts, a healthy BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9.
The Role of the Mind
The relationship between your thoughts and your eating habits is complicated. You’re not simply a product of heredity and environment. Instead, you’ve got a mind that controls your body’s functions, such as digestion and metabolism. This means that your thoughts influence how you feel, which in turn influences what you eat. In fact, some people refer to their digestive system as “little souls,” because it affects the way they think and feel. This is one reason why psychologists and nutritionists suggest that you should never diet alone. Losing weight can be challenging. It’s not just about calories in, calories out. There’s so much more to it.