Up
to a certain point, we are all linear thinkers. The standard notion of
weight loss is that if we exercise and eat right we will automatically
lose weight. This type of thinking is best represented by what
scientists call a "dose response." Essentially all a dose response means
is that two variables will increase or decrease proportionally. If
variable X goes up then variable Y should also go up, etc. It is easy to
fall into this type of thinking. After all, the media is continually
touting exercise as the magic bullet that will save us all. There is
just one problem: the human body is too full of variables. Yes, we can
state that a good exercise program and diet will lead to results. What
most people neglect is the fact that results will often vary from one
person to another. What will work for John or Jane Doe may not always
work for you. What are some possible explanations for this? Some
sources allege weight loss is all in the genes.
Theory 1- Thrifty Gene Theory
One theory, the "Thrifty Gene Theory", stipulates that some individuals have a gene that causes them to expend less energy at work and at rest than others. From a survival perspective it is plausible. As a matter of a self-preservation, it wouldn't be in your best interest to expend all of your energy at a high rate; particularly in cases of feast or famine. The only problem is that we no longer live in a society that centers around these kind of eating patterns. The need for energy conservation has radically changed from previous eras. This theory hasn't been given too much credence given the fact that researchers have yet to identify a gene that would account for a lower basal metabolic rate.
One theory, the "Thrifty Gene Theory", stipulates that some individuals have a gene that causes them to expend less energy at work and at rest than others. From a survival perspective it is plausible. As a matter of a self-preservation, it wouldn't be in your best interest to expend all of your energy at a high rate; particularly in cases of feast or famine. The only problem is that we no longer live in a society that centers around these kind of eating patterns. The need for energy conservation has radically changed from previous eras. This theory hasn't been given too much credence given the fact that researchers have yet to identify a gene that would account for a lower basal metabolic rate.
Theory 2- Set-Point Theory
Another theory, the " Set-Point Theory", alleges that the human body is programmed to maintain weight within a narrow range. This speculation has risen from the fact that the body has counteractive measures against calorie-restrictive diets. One of the key counter measures against too few calories is a lowering of the basal metabolic rate. The classic explanation is that the body feels it is starving. Look at it this way: if you only had one gallon of gasoline left in your car would you floor it or slow down? The same occurs with metabolism. If your metabolism has nothing to burn your energy expenditure will come to a grinding halt. This is problematic for the individual that is exercising. They run the risk of dieting to the point where their calorie intake cannot meet the demands of their workouts. When this happens the opposite of the desired effect can occur. The Set-Point theory seems to be valid for one particular reason: our daily calorie intake isn't always consistent. How would we be able to maintain weight with our calorie totals fluctuating between days? A sustained effort over the long haul is the best way to work around the proposed set-point.
Another theory, the " Set-Point Theory", alleges that the human body is programmed to maintain weight within a narrow range. This speculation has risen from the fact that the body has counteractive measures against calorie-restrictive diets. One of the key counter measures against too few calories is a lowering of the basal metabolic rate. The classic explanation is that the body feels it is starving. Look at it this way: if you only had one gallon of gasoline left in your car would you floor it or slow down? The same occurs with metabolism. If your metabolism has nothing to burn your energy expenditure will come to a grinding halt. This is problematic for the individual that is exercising. They run the risk of dieting to the point where their calorie intake cannot meet the demands of their workouts. When this happens the opposite of the desired effect can occur. The Set-Point theory seems to be valid for one particular reason: our daily calorie intake isn't always consistent. How would we be able to maintain weight with our calorie totals fluctuating between days? A sustained effort over the long haul is the best way to work around the proposed set-point.
Theory 3- Leptin Theory
A third theory, the "Leptin Theory", takes a look at a hormonal factor in weight loss. Leptin is a hormone produced by body fat. It helps reduce food intake as well as body weight. In animal studies Leptin injections proved to be effective at lowering weight. The same effect has not been observed in humans. The basic idea is that higher Leptin levels should lead to lower body fat in humans. Human studies have shown that higher levels of body fat have been maintained despite elevated Leptin levels. Ultimately this theory hasn't proved to be helpful in identifying a key to weight loss.
A third theory, the "Leptin Theory", takes a look at a hormonal factor in weight loss. Leptin is a hormone produced by body fat. It helps reduce food intake as well as body weight. In animal studies Leptin injections proved to be effective at lowering weight. The same effect has not been observed in humans. The basic idea is that higher Leptin levels should lead to lower body fat in humans. Human studies have shown that higher levels of body fat have been maintained despite elevated Leptin levels. Ultimately this theory hasn't proved to be helpful in identifying a key to weight loss.
What's
the main lesson here? Theories are possible explanations and shouldn't
be converted immediately into hopes. If you're currently struggling with
weight loss take solace in the fact that consistency is the only real
key we have in all of our efforts; weight loss included.
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