18 Years of Experience in Psychiatry Acupuncture and Micronutrients
Have you ever made the commitment to lose weight and stick to a strict diet, only to watch helplessly as fat loss grinds to a halt and the pounds drift back on in a matter of weeks? People might try to console you by saying "this must be the weight your body is comfortable at." And, while it might sound like a well-worn excuse, there may be some truth to it.
Everyone has a set point. Just like you have no control over how tall you will be -- or what color your eyes and hair will be -- you also have no control over what your set point will be. Your body is biologically and genetically determined to weigh within a certain range. However, this range is a healthy weight.
Nine out of 10 people that lose weight gain it back. Given this fact, it would seem that engaging in a weight loss program is a gamble, in which the odds of winning are very slim to none.
Before you become frustrated and give up, you should realize that one out of those very 10 people DID succeed. What that means is that it can be done! The trick is knowing how they did it.
Whether or not our weight is fixed by a set point, weight loss experts agree that it can be altered by improving eating and exercise habits. Environment has a huge influence. For instance, Americans are fatter than Europeans -- presumably for cultural reasons: junk food is readily available, exercise loses out to driving, portions are super-sized and food is more processed.
So, forge ahead and be smart and disciplined about your diet and exercise habits, and you too can lose that weight for good.
These articles are not intended as Medical advice, and the author assumes no responsibility for actions taken based on the information contained in this article. If Medical advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.