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Can't Stop Eating When You've Had Enough? It's All in Your Genes

abcnews.go.com — Overeating, and a Host of Other Detrimental Behaviors, Can All Be Traced to Our Evolutionary Past, Experts Say

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  • humanrobot, on 10/12/2007, -20/+68i bet a fat person wrote this. give me another excuse fatty mcfat fat.
    • wheaty, on 10/12/2007, -17/+31You took the words out of my mouth. Lets think of all the reasons that I'm fat that don't include personal responsibility.
    • sweetdeals, on 10/12/2007, -9/+2And since words are 10 calories a piece, you should thank mr. humanrobot.
    • CaptMonkey, on 10/12/2007, -10/+1Can you help me put this in my van?
    • Gustomucho, on 10/12/2007, -10/+5Another reason why evolution works.
      If your gene are too weak to control yourself, you will die fat.

      Weak will die, strong will prevail.
      Natural Selection.
    • madeingermany, on 10/12/2007, -6/+1You haven't even RTFA.
      You can't really call Dye fat: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/DyeHard/

      And I'm not fat, I'm big boned ;)
    • diggidydoo, on 10/12/2007, -3/+33I'm fat, and from my personal data results I have concluded that it seems as though I enjoy a product called "pizza".

      At this time in my clinical trials I have no intentions of reducing said dosages.
    • CaptRage, on 10/12/2007, -9/+15"It's All in Your Genes"

      You mean it all goes to your Jeans
    • brstilson, on 10/12/2007, -11/+12Eating a lot doesn't make you fat. People are fat because they have sedentary lifestyles. Anyone that gets at least 30 minutes of rigorous physical activity a day will be a healthy weight. Special diets and such don't work because you're still eating food and it will still make you gain weight if you're not burning those calories off.

      The ONLY way to lose weight with no exercise is to become anorexic.

      The problem is that humans still have the genetic behavior of the primitive, extremely active hunter/gatherer and tend to eat accordingly.

      I am a fat person myself and I know that I am this way by my own doing. I also know that when I exercise, I seem to be able to eat more and still lose weight. My metabolism increases and actually BURNS the calories I eat.
    • LanceWindu, on 10/12/2007, -4/+10At least I know what makes me fat...me being lazy.

      It's people who don't take responsibility for their own actions which piss me off.
    • pexor, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6This article makes sense and everything, but considering the difference in life expectancy between now and then I still say we're doing better off these days, fat genes be damned.
    • MaddDog, on 10/12/2007, -5/+4Follow this diet plan, it's called:

      "Stop eating, you Fat Bastard".
    • axel2k1, on 10/12/2007, -4/+9Every time there's an article on digg about obesity, tons of people comment on how easy it is to stay/become fit. Eat well and exercise. It really does seem simple, and the utter confusion over why so many people can lack such self-control is usually mystifying.

      Are fat people "victims" of society? That's a ridiculous claim, and I certainly wouldn't carry it that far. But I don't "blame" an individual's bodily constitution purely on a lack of self control.

      To read such research and the comments of people on digg, it would seem that all thin, healthy people out there are really into self-denial and "controlling" themselves. They realize that, to be healthy, they must ration what they eat and do tons of exercise to stay thin. This often contradicts the fact that many of us know someone who can eat like a pig, sit on their ass, and not gain a pound. From this observation, there does seem to be, at least in a small part, a genetic or environmental factor involved.

      The reality of the situation is that it's VERY easy to blame a behavioral problem on an individual's loss of self control. The fact is, no one wants to be fat... no one suddenly decides to be obese. Most fat people are constantly on a diet of some form, wanting to lose weight because of societal pressure, but, while some of the pounds may come off in the short term, they usually creep back with some more tagging along.

      Perhaps there is a genetic or environmental factor involved here. It seems that there is also a high prevalence of depression in obese individuals, and this depression leads to binge eating and "giving up" on healthy eating patterns. Is depression a cause of obesity, does obesity cause depression, or is there no causal relationship? Certainly, being obese can lead to poor self-image. But is it possible that one of the factors involved in binge eating and sedentary lifestyles is depression?

      I only ask that you consider these points, not necessarily agree with them. In our society, obese people are "unattractive" and easy to dismiss. It's difficult to feel empathy for someone who doesn't seem to care about himself/herself.
    • SchnellFowVay, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6@brstilson

      You're actually quite wrong.

      Things like thinking, breathing, talking, and typing all burn a tremendous amount of Calories.

      Additionally, just "living" - your heart beating, breathing (as stated), moving, even sleeping, all burn tremendous amounts of calories.

      FOr an average adult male with an average metabolism, evening leading a sedentary lifestyle burns between 1,100 and 1,600 calories per day. For a woman, those numbers are closer to 800 to 1,200. You, indeed, CAN lose weight without exercisign and without being anorexic. It's just VERY difficult and takes a VERY long time.

      THe goal of exercising 30 - 60 minutes per day is to burn those extra 300 - 800 calories in addition to the calories you burn just by "living." More importantly, however, is that when you exercise regularly (2x per week or more) is that your metabolism speeds up. This means your calories burned by
      just "living" increase substantially.

      When you combine these marginal increases with the flat calories burned each time your work out, this is how you lose weight.

    • themastersb, on 10/12/2007, -7/+3IT'S NOT YOUR GENES! YOU MADE YOU ***** FAT!
    • wush, on 10/12/2007, -3/+2congratulations to brstilson for the most misinformed comment of the day
    • revenge7, on 10/12/2007, -4/+1Can't stop eating when you've had enough? It's probably all in your lack of self-control.
    • rewen, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"Can All Be Traced to Our Evolutionary Past"

      Hey now where does creationism fit into this? Oh wait, creationism is *****.
  • Shad0wSP, on 10/12/2007, -5/+23genetic predisposition can only account for so much.
    • kirkio, on 10/12/2007, -3/+8nature + nurture = you
    • ahhell, on 10/12/2007, -6/+10Yeah, after that it's that garbage bag of cheese burgers and Oreos.
    • silverchrysalis, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1amen.
      my family is italian, and we all pig out. we eat to celebrate, to mourn, if we're worried, happy, bored, social, lonely, whatever. we all struggle with our weight, but do we sit around and bitch about genetics? no! we diet and exercise and are all learning to eat less and manage better.
      some people have crazy genetics, but it can all be managed.
      take responsibility for your actions and quit making up reasons to be fat, mean, stupid, lazy, greedy, or just plain dumb.
      geez.
  • Soldierboi, on 05/09/2008, -9/+8I knew we were headed downhill when we invented a peanut butter and jelly, both in the same SQUEEZE TUBE. Now our lazy a**es don't even have to *labor* over a butter knife and separate jars anymore.
    • brstilson, on 10/12/2007, -4/+2I know very few adults that still eat peanut butter and jelly. Now peanut butter with banana on toast is a whole other matter.
    • asancho, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2I have no idea why your getting dugg down. Hi-larious
  • AquaTeenMS, on 10/12/2007, -5/+4I have to give it my all to stay fat. Some simple rules:
    1) If you aren't having trouble breathing...then you aren't really full.
    2) If you can remember all the things you have eaten in a day, you aren't eating enough.
  • masterofjoe, on 10/12/2007, -9/+2Don't have the common sense to stop eating a box of Ring Dings a day? It's not in your genes, you're just an idiot!

    Maybe after that, you can sue the company for making you fat, too.
  • greymarketbrain, on 10/12/2007, -3/+2Be careful not to "eat the hand that feeds you" or you'll have problems continuing to consume mass quantities.
  • Boshow, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1I just thought that it was the munchies.
  • aantix, on 10/12/2007, -9/+24It always cracks me up that my skinny friends suggest "just eat less" as they eat a bag of Cheetos playing XBox.

    Most people have their body composition by default.

    The skinnies look down on the fatties as if they have really done something to obtain their body shape knowing damn well 80% of the populace doesn't exercise regularly.

    If you have a normal body, you got genetically lucky, but don't hold yourself above others as if you've worked your ass off for your body type.

    Most of you guys are just as lazy as the fat people, Mother Nature just happen to cut you a break.

    My point isn't to alleviate the responsibility of the person who is overweight.

    We all have compulsions; the guy who can't put the drink down, the guy who eats double cheese burgers, the woman who has to buy a pair of shoes every time she goes to the mall.

    My thoughts are an explanation, not a justification.

    Nonetheless, my point is that most of the people that say "eat less" don't carry the same advice. And just because nature granted you a skinny license doesn't make you qualified to give hollow, weight management advice.

    I'm fat. I know I'm fat. And I don't need some skinny btch telling me what I already know. So in the end, save your unqualified two cents, STFU, and let's all deal with our vices quietly.
    • redmaxx, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6Hear hear!
    • Ryan83, on 10/12/2007, -7/+4You want to feel good about yourself, so you rationalize your weight.

      In NYC, most people walk an average of .5km a day. Then they go to them gym 3x a week for 30 minutes of exercise. Take a look around. Nobody is obese like they are in Kentucky, where everyone drives SUVs and eats at buffet restaurants. Most people who "eat less" really do eat less or really do exercise more. They just don't want to admit it, just like they don't want to tell a woman to bleach her mustache. It's something you need to know without being told.

      Exercise is a matter of personal pride. I'm not a fashionisto vain person, but as soon as I hit 250lbs my ass would be hitting the gym. Even if certain predispositions are at fault, your lack of exercise is a sufficient and necessary condition to your disgusting obesity. Shut the ***** up.
    • ccrook, on 10/12/2007, -7/+5No.

      It's not possible to gain weight (in the form of fat) it you're consuming equal or lesser calories than you're burning. It's as simple as that.

      I probably eat 1500 calories a day and combined with walking around campus between classes, I burn nearly that much leaving me at my same weight.

      So while I might not exercise, I'm not your skinny friend downing a bag a cheetos, or if I am, I'm forgoing something else later in the day to compensate for it. I also snack frequently during the day rather than eat huge stomach-bulging meals.

      There are your differences and it's not about nature.
    • MacFlecknoe, on 10/12/2007, -7/+4Its simple math... stop blaming your genes (or anything other than yourself). If you consume 3000 calories in a day and expend 1000 you will gain weight. If you consume 2000 and expend 2500 you will loose. Any other questions? Some people's metabolisms allow them to burn calories at a higher rate but thats no excuse for your obesity; you have to either raise your metabolism, expend more calories or eat less. Its flippin THAT simple.

      Fat people dont upset me... people you dont take responsibility for their actions do.
    • bitrott, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3@Ryan83: You're kidding right? I live in NYC, fat people EVERYWHERE, definitely in the same averages as the rest of the union
    • SasquatchBill, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5People don't have "body composition by default." They may have a predisposition to a certain level of metabolism but it doesn't mean they default to Fat or Skinny.

      I'm 6'1'', 200 lbs. I'm overweight, but not that you'd really notice unless I was at the beach. My friends and I all have pretty much the same exercise and eating habits, but we vary from (I'm estimating here) 10% to 25% body fat. I'm currently at 15.5% - I was at 18% a few months ago. I KNOW I wasn't built to be that skinny little bitch you're talking about - but in the end its ME who got off my ass to change my eating and exercising habits to reduce that body comp you say we default to.

      Pointing out that Mother nature gave the skinnies a break is your way of saying "I'm fat, but I'm off the hook!" I am fat, Mother Natures a bitch, but I'm getting more fit because I'm tired of excuses and no one else controls that but me.
    • AxeSwinger, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6I'm fat 280lbs. I don't mind. I workout three days a week running, I can run 3 miles in 22 minutes, which is a great considering I'm 37. I try to do 3 or 4 5k races a years. My cholesterol is great to the amazement of my marathon running doctor and

      I've been trim and I was working out an hour a day six days a week. I don't get full I can eat a whole pizza if I'm not paying attention I can eat a lot. I just read a lot of oversimplification of the issue. The glib don't eat so much you'll lose weight and just take responsibility for your actions. Well it's more complicated than that most people who are fat don't want to be and they know they are not helping themselves.

      I've seen a few studies about our self destructive nature like diets don't work, given the choice between changing habits and heart disease; heart disease usually wins. Look at the Vice President and his self inflicted heart condition. My point is this; The way you view the world can be quite different than the way other view the world. Sure it makes you feel good to say just stop eating but your not helping anyone just stroking your own ego.


    • aantix, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7@Ryan83

      I am not rationalizing my weight; read my original post.
      >My point isn't to alleviate the responsibility of the person who is overweight.

      I was merely addressing the issue that some skinnier folks insist on giving advice such as "put the food down" when they have no idea about how hard that is for some. Just like it's hard for the alcoholic to put the drink down, or the compulsive shopper to cut a credit card up.

      It's just this constant talking-down-to that irritates me (e.g. "put the fork down fattie!"). And the talking-down-to seems to come from the most UNQUALIFIED, lazy individuals.

      I work my ass off in the gym (5 times a week+), keep my calorie count under 2000cals with an emphasis on lean meat and good carbs just to MAINTAIN my overweight ass of 270lbs.

      I just wish the 3rd party advice would come from a more loving position.
    • s0nicfreak, on 10/12/2007, -6/+2It always cracks me up when fat people assume that because a skinny person is eating a bag of cheetos while playing xbox that they are somehow geneticly skinny. The fat people don't see that the skinny people are eating 1 helping of dinner while they are eating 2, and walking to their friend's house to play xbox while the fat people take a car.

      I was fat as a child, and most of my family is fat so I was told that it was in my genes and I would always be fat. But at about 10 or 11 I realized that was BS. I started eating healthier, exersizing, and going against everything I was taught was ok by my overweight family. I literally worked my ass off and by the time I was 14 I was skinny, and fat people assume I have always been that way (I have had several tell me so after asking how I stay fit).

      Unless you've known these skinny friends their whole life and are with them 24 hours a day 7 days a week, you have no way of knowing how hard they work to be skinny.


      Yes, for some people it is harder to be skinny. But your genes are not going to jump out of your body, tie you up and steal your wallet, go buy candy bars and then force feed them to you. Ultimately, no matter your genes, you make the choice of wither or not to be fat. And yes being fat is a choice; every time you open your mouth and put something in it you are making that choice. For some, choosing to put the fork down may be hard, but lots of things in life are hard. Do it or stop whining.
    • MacFlecknoe, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Wow... I am surprised at the number of fat people here that work out 3+ times a week at the gym. One even runs at marathon speeds at 280 pounds. Odd though... Ive never seen a fat person at the community center I work in. Not one that stays that way anyway. Must be the Red Sun of Krypton or whatever planet you guys live on... cause it sure as hell aint Earth. Good luck to you though :P
    • AxeSwinger, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I'd love to go running with you; IM me next time you're in town Just be sure to prepare for the altitude, a mile up and the air is thin.

    • SasquatchBill, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Assuming you're telling the truth - as I don't see why you'd feel it necessary to lie - I'm amazed that you both can be 270-280 lbs and still exercise as much as you do. How tall are you?
  • wolvyne, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8Or maybe HFCS?
    Case Study: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/80064/high_fructose_corn_syrup_is_it_making.html
    What it is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_fructose_corn_syrup
    • r81984, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3My vote is HFCS is the cause and not genes.
    • ccrook, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Well don't drink soda. That's a huge source of HFCS. I don't anymore.
    • MaddDog, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4I also blame food and drinks. As I consume too many, I get fat. Damn sustenance!
    • rnwen2750, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Why did food have to be so yummy?!! I am heavier now than I would like and when people ask me if I am okay, I tell them that I know *exactly* how I got here. And that it was delicious. :)
  • CletusJones, on 10/12/2007, -5/+2My mom is fat.
  • CletusJones, on 10/12/2007, -5/+2My sister is too.
  • VicousT, on 10/12/2007, -10/+3It's called lack of self-control you fatty. But I'm sure there's a gene for that too. You can't be responsible for your actions when it's coded in your DNA.
    • redmaxx, on 10/12/2007, -3/+9It's called ignorance, you idiot. Scientific data that proves that people aren't always in control and you still blame them?
    • rnwen2750, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4It's okay. It's not his fault he's ignorant. Must be in his genes.
  • redmaxx, on 10/12/2007, -6/+6I don't think people realize how much our modern, genetically engineered diet, plus some of the drugs that we take now are contributing to the problem. I can't believe the ignorance of some of these people who want to blame it all on personal responsibility. Newsflash! More people are eating properly and exercising yet still not losing weight. So go ahead, enjoy your ignorance.
    • ccrook, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3GM foods haven't been proven to be detrimental in any way. You're about as dogmatic about your belief that GM foods are bad as the religious right is about God. Unsubstantiated.
    • redmaxx, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2No, the research is there, you just need to go find it. Go on ahead...search the Digg archives, I'm sure you'll find it.
  • stinssd, on 10/12/2007, -5/+3I'm a bit overweight and this study does not conclude anything substantial. If I want to lose weight, I can do so by self-discipline, Lord willing. My eating decisions are my own, they are not due to the so-called conclusions of this study based on scientific mythology.
    • azAZ09, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Your eating decisions are controlled by psychological processes and entirely connected to your physiology. So good luck with that.
  • timbro1, on 10/12/2007, -4/+1i might buy this article bs but there is 1 flaw. Human beings evolved with this thing called a brain.
    • redmaxx, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8I'm betting your logic is bs. The human brain responds to what your body's genetics dictates. The human brain is not 100% independent.
    • Tarnum, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2And the autonomous systems of the human brain evolved thru harish winters, when there was very little to eat. When the stored body fat was vital to survival.
  • Aynatix, on 10/12/2007, -6/+2All you people talking mess are skinny because you have HIV/AIDS.
    Weeeee! Whos gonna die fat now!? At least we will make it to 45.
  • r81984, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9It has a lot more to do with what we eat. In the US we use High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). One side effect of HFCS is your body looses its ability to signal it is full. HFCS has a lot more to do with overeating then our genes.
    • ccrook, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4I do believe this has something to do with it. Some soda companies are going back to cane sugar because of the rise in demand for corn for ethanol. It could actually help things if they stopped using HFCS because of corn prices rising. Pretty interesting.
    • MaddDog, on 10/12/2007, -5/+1Don't blame HFCS - if you don't like it, don't drink the soda. Seriously...... Soda made from cane sugar directly will have just as many calories.
    • ccrook, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4maddog, maybe you missed the part where HFCS has been shown to inhibit signaling that you're full. While cane soda would have the same amount of calories it wouldn't inhibit that sense of being satisfied.
    • azAZ09, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1@ Madddog
      But notice that the cane-sugar sodas are sold in smaller 16-oz bottles instead of the 2-liter vats. There is a reason for this. Dirinking these sodas are more likely to produce the chemical reaction that signals satisfaction, but this varies based on an individual's physiology as determined by genetics. A person drinking a cane-sugar soda is still getting far too many calories, but there is a greater chance they will feel satisfied at a smaller portion, maybe half of the standard size 20 oz soda.
    • copaceticZ, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1thats crazy dude cause i am a person who has been heavily addicted to soda and still drinks it somewhat and is still somewhat addicted to it but i feel full very quickly i am actually disgusted with the feeling of fullness i agree that soda is an evil evil thing and that my children will never be allowed to touch the ***** i wish i could quit drinking it though.
  • Battleloser, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6The question is not whether or not I can stop, but whether or not I WANT to stop.

    My eating habits have always been weird, I usually eat one big meal a day. When I'm digging in to some awesome home-made food, be it a nice juicy roast with mashed potatoes, or a 4 egg ommlette with a pound of cheese, or anything that I like, I don't want to stop. I like eating till my belly hurts. And no, don't get the wrong idea, I don't eat because I'm unhappy, and I'm not unhappy because I eat. I just like food.

    Every time I turn on the news nowadays I see crap about the obesity epidemic. They talk about what people need to do, and why they need to do it, but whenever they air an opinion on the matter that isn't some health and diet expert it's always some whiny bitch crying that her diet doesn't work. Where are the people like me? The people that proudly admit to being fat, and really don't give a ***** about losing it?

    Normally I wouldn't care, but I foresee a new type of Victorianism on the horizon. We all know governments don't respect freedom anymore, so how long do you think it'll be before a politician comes forward with an agenda of enforcing healthy living laws on us?
    • ccrook, on 10/12/2007, -4/+1Don't expect me to pay for your sleep apnea darth vader mask, gastric bypass surgery, or heart surgery later in life when we've been screwed with socialized medicine.
    • rnwen2750, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4Do you smoke or drink? 'Cause if you do, I don't wanna hear anything from you.
    • ccrook, on 10/12/2007, -5/+1"Do you smoke or drink? 'Cause if you do, I don't wanna hear anything from you."

      Yes and yes. And that's why I don't want socialized medicine. Your point is moot.
    • rnwen2750, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3I sincerely hope you never lose your job and then have one of your children diagnosed with cancer. What truly "good" society would let a child die or even suffer because his/her parents could not afford any treatment and everyone else was too selfish to help out.
    • ccrook, on 10/12/2007, -5/+1What's the probability of that happening? Pretty damn low. There are charities that help those people out now. When is the last time you heard of a kid dieing in the US because they couldn't afford surgery or treatment? Hospitals take huge hits on people who get procedures and don't pay as it is. They still do the procedures.

      There isn't any point to socialize medicine.
    • SasquatchBill, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1@Battleloser
      "proudly admit to being fat, and really don't give a ***** about losing it."

      Excuse me Mr. Darwin - could you step in here for a moment?
    • rnwen2750, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1What's the probability of that happening? Pretty damn low.

      - Actually, the chances of any one child needing emergency medical attention are pretty high.

      There are charities that help those people out now.

      - And you know this how? I can tell you first hand of at least 15 families that decided not to give their loved one treatment because there was no help to be had.

      When is the last time you heard of a kid dieing in the US because they couldn't afford surgery or treatment? Hospitals take huge hits on people who get procedures and don't pay as it is. They still do the procedures.

      - ... Are you serious? Yes, there are people who get procedures and do not pay for them. But the vast majority of people who cannot afford procedures or medication simply do not get them. And yes, technically, a state hospital *should* do their best to treat someone, but the fact of the matter is there is not enough funding to go around, and people do die because they are unable to afford sufficient treatment.

      There isn't any point to socialize medicine.

      - Again, I sincerely hope what goes around does not come around to you.
  • Aynatix, on 10/12/2007, -7/+2Do not digg me down because you have HIV/AIDS. Its not my fault.
  • glmory, on 10/12/2007, -5/+6The reason you are fat has little to do with your genes. I would be willing to bet that at your age every single one of your great grandparents weren't overweight. Obesity rates have been increasing far far faster than human genetics.
    • rnwen2750, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1There is an interesting theory that a lot of the non-genetic factors in obesity have to do with the incidence of a/c. When it is hot out, we are programmed to eat less and more light foods. When it is cold, our bodies "think" we need to store fat, etc., so our cravings lean towards fatty foods even during the summer.
    • kd1s, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Actually when my great grandmother was 37 years old she was a rotund woman. I have pictures to prove it.

      And she died at a ripe old age.

    • kd1s, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Ha! My paternal great grandmother on my fathers side was a rotund woman. Even my paternal grandmother who died at 86 was a bit on the heavy side.
  • Daedalus275, on 10/12/2007, -6/+1Not Eating Like A Pig + Getting Off Your Ass + Drinking Water Instead of Soda
    =
    Not Being A Lard Ass
  • Workage, on 10/12/2007, -2/+160 Cent Cheeseburgers at Wac Arnolds (McDonalds) Monday!!!!!
  • Oatmeal, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1In other news they've isolated the gene that makes people not want to take out the garbage
  • mickmcmac, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3I love to eat. I go to Bikram's Yoga 3-4 times a week. The yoga has increased my metabolism so much that I have lost quite a bit of weight. I can maintain my new weight and I can still eat whatever I want.
    • SasquatchBill, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2That's cool. MOST people could do that, or something akin to it. Unfortunately people don't get that our bodies have to be TAUGHT to use the energy (raising our metabolism) they're given. You sit around all the time, and pack yourself full of calories, without making any requests to process the energy its given - it's NOT GOING TO.
      Get off your ass, put yourself through some sweat and pain to teach your body how to USE the energy you give it. You can also give some thought to what you're putting in so that your body can process it more efficiently. Do one of these, and you'll probably feel a bit better. Do both, and you'll find that one supports the other - request energy for use (exercise) and your body will desire better food. Eat better, and you'll find some of that energy to get off your ass.
  • Kratisto, on 10/12/2007, -5/+2Can't overcome your primal urge to kill human beings in competing families? It's all in your genes!

    This is garbage. I don't care how much it has to do with heredity. It's still your fault. Deal with it.
  • Randki, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4This is almost complete BS. Most of the really fat people I know try to blame their fatness on genetics. These are scientists who are just trying to get money out of people to keep on working on their horse ***** theories..

    Maybe, MAYBE there is a small small percentage of fat people who are fat because of genetics (excluding the disease that causes people to be extremely hungry all the time)... but every fat person I know will claim something like "My Dad was fat". But, if you follow up on it you will find that none of the grandparents were fat, none of their uncles were fat, etc.

    We wouldnt have survived very long as a species if this gene was as virulent as people want you to believe. To me, it just sounds like another way for people to blame anyone or anything else but themselves.
  • Metylerka, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Typing In All Caps Is Annoying, Experts Say
  • riverrunner, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1Damn you dirty apes!
  • brewster13, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2It seems that everyone is missing the point of the article. Did any of you "experts on obesity" RTFA?

    Basically society has changed faster than humanity has been able to evolve. Because of the industrial revolution with time and labor saving creations, the car, etc... in just two or three generations we have been given vastly more down time. Many activities have gone from active to sedentary while our bodies have not had time to evolve to the slower paced life styles. We've gone from mainly rural lifestyles to more urban. Instead of walking a mile or two to school, busses pick kids up at their doorstep. In just one generation, computers and game consoles have turned playing outside for hours, to sitting inside for hours. I am sure that everyone can think of many other similar examples of societal changes from inventions over the past century that have greatly changed how many calories our bodies burn on average. How have "chores" changed from your grandparent's day to now? How many Fitness Gyms were there three generations ago? Perhaps they will help in human evolution as those who "do the fitness thing" will evolve differently than those who don't. Through natural selection we'll find out who is better off in several generations...
  • xtraa, on 10/12/2007, -2/+0"It's all in your genes"... I hate that sentence.

    It suggests to many people to just give it up. Like - stop trying, it is in your genes. Bull. The genes might be a fact, but genes are not everything. We are still able to work on ourselfs and to learn to act different. Genes can make things more or less easy, but they are still just 50% of it all. The rest is pure training.
  • azAZ09, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1It seems as though the majority of posters here are trying to defend an old paradigm. Rather than trying understand the role that genetics plays in body composition, people are assuming that *everyone* responds the same to diet and exercise, and that just is not true. Of course, exercise, daily activity, calorie burn and calorie intake can play a role in one's physiology, but the assumption that everyone can overcome a pre-disposition through controlling these factors in the same way is deluded. Results will vary. Even with small groups in weight loss clinics, and research studies, there is tremendous variation in how people lose weight comparatively, even if they are on the same diet and exercise regimen.

    Judging people based on appearances is not only a mistake--it is bigotry.


  • r3bol, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0He he, the last thing I heard the experts blaming genes on was gambling. Is there anything that couldn't be blamed on peoples genes? I wonder what the pope would say?
  • copaceticZ, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I personally believe the problem with food today is the high carb high fat low protein foods. The reason people are fat and i used to be fat is because of these foods. When people eat high protein foods with they will at least be able to burn the fat and calories off because they will have what is essential for their muscles to grow or at least stay the same and with time will become somewhat lean(jogging, weight lifting will make you truly lean but that said the change in diet itself will make your body become better). When you eat high carb high fat low protein foods your body simply does not have enough protein to fuel your muscles so they become weak and you gradually lose the ability to burn these crappy foods off. So if one thing is learned if you are going to eat high fat foods make sure that they are at least high protein. I personally have begun eating my body weight in protein everyday and truly believe that every person should do this it has changed my life and i truly believe that if you are an overweight person reading this right now you should give up the carbs and eat the hell out of some protein right now you can start eating high fat foods that are high protein and gradually work your way to eating only the high protein low fat foods. Just make sure you get your protein its as important as brushing your teeth, washing your hair, breathing air.
  • razortongue9000, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1Um... If my opinion, experience, and observation are worth a damn...
    This article is 95% ridiculous crap.
    People learn to overeat just like they are taught to be afraid of snakes.
  • brainache, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I hate articles written as though they are aimed at 13-year-old kids, devoid of all scientific or research-based proof. Yes abcnews I am looking at you.
  • glitterbitch, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0...just another excuse. people should stop making up excuses to make them feel better about being fat... stop coming up with reasons as to 'why skinny people are skinny' why 'fat people are fat'
    people eat so much ***** and live such sedentary lifestyles... THAT's the reason why you're all such fatties!
  • RFRStormer, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1There are many reasons why people are overweight, I could list many of them, but considering the responses here... I am FAT - Yep the dreaded 3 letter word that we all hate to hear from friends, Doctor and Family. I eat once a day, total calorie intake less than 700 calories a day. My problem is my Thyroid. My bodies metabolism is the exact opposite of normal, healthy individuals. When I eat, my Metabolism actually slows down. For over 20 years, I was trying to figure out why I kept gaining weight, despite watching everyone around me eat much more than myself, and keeping the pounds off themselves. It was very frustrating. I kept being tested for reasons why I would keep gaining weight, the Doctors even placed me in a Hospital to watch what I would eat (figuring that I would loose weight on their restricted diet).. Heck I ate better there than I did at home. To say the least when I still gained weight, and they could not figure out what was going on, they more or less just gave up. About 4 months ago, I had worked late, and forgot about my Doc appointment for the next morning, so I ate what was my first meal in a 32 hour period. I am not normally hungry, although I admit that I am very thirsty most of the time. I drink water, and diet soda sometimes.. But mainly water.. Sorry I digressed. When I went in to the Doctor for a normal checkup, they decided to do another Thyroid test. This time it showed that there was a problem .. 12.5 pts.. when it should have been between 1 - 3.. After many more tests, not eating and eating before seeing the doctor, we determined that my body was actually reacting in reverse. Slowing my Metabolism down when I ate, and increasing it (gradually) when I did not eat. Now they have me taking thyroid medication, and things are getting better. I am slowly loosing weight.

    The problem that I see with many people out there, is that it is so easy to assume that Fat people always eat too much. With shows on T.V. showing people eating huge bags of chips and Trash foods etc.. Up to >10000 calories a day.. I can understand why people just immediately jump to the conclusion that the person in front of them is eating too much.

    Think about this, the next time you see someone who is overweight.. Step up, get to know them. Help them.. I can tell you that NONE of them want to be overweight, none of them enjoy the pain that they must endure to carry that weight around daily. Instead of being critical.. Be a Friend, instead of following the lead of many immature people out there and calling them names, help them.. It just makes it worse, when you call a overweight person whatever clever name you make up at the moment. And sometimes, that comes at the worse time, as at that very moment they are working to loose that weight they are carrying, and with your wonderfully worded (insensitive insult) you have just given them a reason to give up, or just quit.. As they would feel, and rightly so, that no one out there gives a hoot about them. That all of you would rather just make fun of them and run away thinking how wonderfully talented your words were.

    Nothing makes it harder to loose weight than when someone insults you, or makes fun of you, when you are trying to change. So, instead of lecturing the next overweight person you see.. Go and help.. That would be a much more desirable outcome than you making fun of that person. If they choose not to accept your help, at least you tried, and maybe at another moment in time, they will think back about your kind words, and act on them, instead of words of hate and spite, which would make any sane person want to give up. Is it really so hard to be nice to those around you?

  • kd1s, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Yesterday I had a physical with a new doctor. I'm 5'8, 215lbs. The doctor is about the same height and has to outweigh me by at least 40lbs. First he tells me my ideal weight is 145lbs. Yeah, right, I'd look like a corpse. So we modified it slightly so my goal is 190lbs. I can do 25lbs pretty easily, while 70lbs would be a bit more difficult.

    There was a Penn & Teller ***** episode that explored the obesity 'epidemic' and concluded that it's all marketing hype. It's true.
    • testcase, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Penn and Teller are both obese for their height. They *would* say that.

      The power of human beings to explain away their fears knows no bounds. Even when we feel Death's terrible breath on our necks, we can still convince ourselves that everything will be fine.
  • testcase, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I grew up as a child in the 60's, and in every school I ever went to, there was the obligatory "Fat Kid". That is, ONE kid who was fat, out of a whole school full of otherwise normal kids. In the 70's, same deal, ONE fat High School kid.

    Now, I look around and almost every child I see in public is FAT! Six year olds with GUTS! I presume that now, the situation is reversed, and that every school has got it's one token "Skinny Kid".

    This is not a genetic thing. This is a societal problem. It has all come about in a single generation.

    We had sodas and candy, but fast food was hard to get, and most of our everyday food was made of staples. Few if any foods were fat and sugar enriched or "flavor enhanced" as they euphemistically say. We walked everywhere, did tons of sporting activities, and were expected to do chores and have after school jobs. We didn't have video games or computers, and really, there was nothing on TV worth watching, except for maybe an hour or two a week.

    Fat people are fat because getting fat is what happens when you lack the self-esteem and discipline to keep fit. It's a long and slippery slope.

    Think about this: losing weight is hard, but recovering your speech and mobility after a stroke is harder. Make a choice. Chances are good that you WONT die in your sleep from obesity. Chances are it will take you 10 years to die, 10 years of panting, breathlessness, sweating, foul smells, constipation, public humiliation, no sex, clothes that don't fit, ulcers that wont heal, open sores and daily insulin injections.

    And then of course you still have Hell to look forward too!
  • copaceticZ, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1@rfs
    i dunno much about thyroid problems and such but i do believe that everyone knows that it is bad to not eat often enough if you only eat one time a day your body tells itself to store whatever you ate because who knows when it will get more i believe that your thyroid could be messed up from your bad eating habits, poor nutrition (its hard enough getting enough nutrients and such with 3 meals a day) i may be crazy but i believe that if you started working out (weight lifting/jogging every other day) and eating 3 high protein meals per day with some fiber(trust me you'll need it) your thyroid would sort itself out and you would start losing weight.......
  • spazor, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1i found this article very interesting
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