2010 Weight Lose Series No. 2

So what causes weight gain. It's really simple to understand but for some difficult to accept. If you put more gas in your car that it can hold in the tank it will just spill. If you eat more calories than you burn on that day you're going to store them some where at fat. Thus, weight gain is a positive (increase) calorie imbalance.

So what causes that imbalance. Lets begin with Metabolic Rate Change, as we age we need fewer calories. As children our bodies change with growth and development daily. We need a lot of nutrients and energy delivered in our food. But just like when a building is completed you don't keep the crew around adding bricks to the walls. You hire a leaner maintenance crew. They repair and keep the building in good shape. Well once you're an adult you can forget about that one more growth spurt. That means you don't need the same calorie intake you did as a kid. Eat fewer calories and stop adding bricks to your stomach and hips!!

That means we often gain weight through our behavior. How much do you move during the day? How much do you eat. Do you go out after work for a "cold one?" Do you eat that last doughnut so it won't get stale (we don't want to waste food). Eat seconds and thirds at dinner and then not eat breakfast because they're not hungry. I know some people who would leave work stop for some fast food on the way home and then have dinner with the family. All bad behavior. Stop it, food is chemistry.

Culture is a factor with some. If you watch the show "the biggest loser" you may remember two cousins who are Tongan. They spoke about the Pacific Islanders, "their people" and how eating a lot and being fat is the norm. What they went though at the shows' campus motivated them to work with their people and teach them about fitness and health. Now before you write something nasty and say I'm pointing fingers at race or color think about the culture the holidays bring. How many people talk about weight gain during the holidays. Think about the blogs and articles that are written with a focus on holiday weight gain. That's culture as well but some just eat everything in site no matter, just because it's the holidays.

Environment is also a factor with some. Where some work can lead to weight gain. I often wonder if people who work at fast food places eat too much of the food there because it's available. I do believe that many create their own environment with the things they do, the people they hang out with and the places that they live.

According to studies people in a lower socioeconomic class are more likely to eat too much, and or eat less nutritious food. Unfortunately, people with less education, money and access to information are more likely to become obese and stay obese.

Lastly is the one I hear as an excuse the most. Gene disorder, well true in some cases. I feel for kids diagnosed with Prader-Willi and some other disorders. But people tell me that their parents are or were fat and that's why they're fat. Fat parents are not a genetic disease. They ate too much and if you're fat so do you. So stop blaming your parents.

So there are the most common causes people who have gained weight do it. Is it that you are older today and haven't changed your behavior. Is culture, environment or socioeconomic status an issue. Or is it your parents. If it is a genetic disorder then see a doctor who specializes in it as soon as you can.