Genetics May Impact Weight Loss Efforts

Your genes might be a factor if you’re finding it tough to shed pounds. A study from the Harvard Chan School of Public Health and Ben Gurion University in Israel discovered that about one-third of those on healthy diets fail to lose weight.

The participants experienced “significant improvements” in various health markers, notably cholesterol levels and a decrease in the starvation hormone leptin, along with a drop in visceral fat, the kind that accumulates deep in the abdomen.

This research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, involved 761 Israeli adults dealing with abdominal obesity. Over the span of 18 to 24 months, participants followed various healthy diets, including low-fat and Mediterranean options.

Interestingly, the results revealed that only 36% of those in the trials achieved what is termed “clinically significant” weight loss, while another 36% saw moderate weight loss. In contrast, 28% of the participants neither gained nor lost weight.

Among those who struggled to drop pounds were primarily older individuals and women, but they still showed similar health benefits to those who lost weight.

Prime Minister Anato Yaskolka Meir, a researcher at Harvard Chan, noted that society tends to equate weight loss with health, often labeling those who resist weight loss as failures. He emphasized that the findings challenge this view, presenting a hopeful message: individuals not losing weight can still enhance their metabolism and lower long-term illness risks.

While the study had its limitations, particularly a higher male representation, researchers suggest future studies should involve more women to gain broader insights.

Dr. Philip Rabito, an endocrinologist from New York City, remarked that genetic factors can play a role in one’s ability to lose weight, noting that some patients may show more weight loss than others despite similar efforts. He also mentioned that proper counseling and dedication could lead to meaningful outcomes.

For some individuals, prescription medications might offer additional assistance if conventional weight loss methods fall short. Dr. Manoel Galvao Neto, who leads obesity research at Orlando Health, echoed the inherited aspects, saying that genetics can influence metabolism and appetite, shaping one’s response to dieting and exercise.

Ultimately, Neto encouraged individuals to embrace their weight loss journeys with self-awareness and seek professional support for optimal results. He concluded that while obesity is a chronic disease without a definitive cure, there’s an increasing amount of information available to help manage it effectively.