Genetics play a powerful role in body weight. How you’re made up can make it really easy to stay slim, or make it very difficult to stay at a healthy weight.
One reason is metabolism. This is basically the rate at which you burn calories. Someone with a high metabolism can eat a lot of calories and burn them off quickly. Someone with a slow metabolism will burn calories very slowly and will not need as many each day. Unfortunately, you inherit your metabolism.
Another reason is your fat cells. If you are over overweight (by about 25 pounds or more) your body manufactures fat cells to hold the extra fat. When you lose weight, the fat cells empty out, but they never go away. They are constantly “wanting” to fill back up.
There are many other reasons including lower thyroid function, lower body temperature, reduced ability to break down fats, and more than 40 genes that influence weight.
So if you feel like you’re fighting the weight loss battle, you probably are. Losing weight may truly be difficult for you because of your genetics.
Does this mean you cry and give up?
No! Absolutely not. It may be a struggle and it may be frustrating, but don’t give up. Don’t be a victim to your genetics. Brush the tears aside, bolster your resolve, and be a fighter!
