INFINITY News: Why are we so prone to gain weight? New research finds causes other than calories! #WeightGain #Science #Health
Video explanation
Why are some people more likely to gain weight than others? The surprising reasons science is focusing on
Hello, this is John! Have you ever felt like, "I'm on a diet, but I just can't seem to lose weight..." or "I eat just as much as the people around me, but for some reason I feel like I'm the only one who puts on weight so easily..."? In fact, there may be more complicated reasons hidden behind the tendency to put on weight than just "eating too many calories." Today, I'll explain the mystery of how easily you put on weight, which has been the focus of the latest research, in an easy-to-understand way even for beginners!
Isn't it all about "calorie counting"?
Until now, it has been thought that weight gain and loss are determined by the balance between calories ingested and calories burned. In other words, the simple logic is that if the amount of food you eat (calories ingested) is greater than the energy you use through exercise (calories burned), you will gain weight, and if it is less, you will lose weight. Of course, this is not wrong as a basic principle.
But are our bodies really that simple? Why do different people gain weight differently even when they take in the same amount of calories? In fact, the latest research has pointed out that factors that cannot be explained by the idea of "calories in, calories out" alone may play a major role in weight management.
What is the new key to "weight gain" that science is focusing on?
So what else besides calories is involved? Researchers are focusing on the more microscopic workings of our bodies. In particular, the following points are thought to be related to "ease of gaining weight":
- Genetic factors: It seems that one's constitution has a large influence. Whether one has genes that efficiently store energy or genes that easily consume it can make a difference in how easily one gains weight. This is like a "body blueprint" that we inherit from our parents.
- Intestinal flora: This is a point that has been getting a lot of attention recently! The intestinal flora refers to the many types of bacteria that live in our stomachs. Also called "intestinal flora," it is a diverse range of bacteria that live in balance, just like a flower garden.
The types and balance of these gut bacteria may affect how efficiently you absorb energy from food.Even if you eat the same food, the calories absorbed by your body may change depending on how your intestinal bacteria work.That's a bit surprising, isn't it? The gut bacteria of people who are prone to gaining weight may be good at "squeezing" more energy out of food.
- Differences in basal metabolism: Basal metabolism is the energy that is automatically consumed to keep the heart pumping, breathe, and maintain life, even when we are not doing any exercise. People with high basal metabolism tend not to gain weight because they burn a lot of calories without doing anything. It is said that people with a lot of muscle mass tend to have a high basal metabolism.
- Hormonal Balance: There are various hormones in our bodies, including those that control appetite and those involved in fat accumulation. When the balance of these hormones is disrupted, it can lead to increased appetite and increased susceptibility to gaining weight. Lack of sleep and stress are also known to affect this hormone balance.
In this way, it is highly likely that "proneness to gain weight" is determined not simply by the amount of food eaten, but by a complex interplay of many factors, including genetics, intestinal environment, basal metabolism, and hormones.
So what can you do? What you can do starting today
You may be worried, "If it's just genetics or your constitution, is there nothing I can do about it?" But don't give up yet! Even if you have a constitution that makes you gain weight easily, it is entirely possible to maintain a healthy body by reviewing your daily lifestyle habits.
Here are some specific things you can do.
- Eat a balanced diet: It is important to eat a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, high-quality protein (meat, fish, soy products, etc.), and a moderate amount of carbohydrates, rather than avoiding certain foods or drastically reducing the amount of food you eat. In particular, vegetables and seaweed, which are rich in dietary fiber, are helpful in improving your intestinal environment.
- Be aware of your intestinal environment: Eat fermented foods (yogurt, natto, kimchi, etc.) and dietary fiber to support the good bacteria in your intestines.
- Maintain moderate exercise: Incorporate exercise that you enjoy into your daily life, such as walking, jogging, and light muscle training. Exercise not only increases the calories you burn, but also increases muscle mass and can be expected to have the effect of raising your basal metabolic rate.
- Get quality sleep: Lack of sleep increases hormones that increase appetite and reduces hormones that make you feel full. Try to establish a regular sleep routine, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
- How to relieve stress: Stress can also disrupt hormone balance and lead to overeating and fat storage. Make time for hobbies and find ways to relax to better manage stress.
The important thing is"Face your own body, not compare it with others"And instead of striving for perfection, incorporating healthy habits little by little into your life will have the most impact in the long run.
Author's comment
"Easy to gain weight" is a really deep topic. I myself am the type of person who can't help but reach for delicious food, so in a way, I felt relieved to know that it's not just about calories, but at the same time, it also made me feel like I need to reevaluate my lifestyle! The function of intestinal bacteria is interesting because it is invisible to the naked eye, and it makes me want to know more. Why not use this article as an opportunity to face your own body a little more deeply?
This article is based on the following original articles and is summarized from the author's perspective:
Why Do Some People Gain Weight Faster Than Others? Science
Lands On A Possible Theory