Maybe you can blame your metabolism

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Published May 20, 2015

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London - If you find it virtually impossible to lose weight no matter how hard you try, it seems you really can blame your slow metabolism.

Scientists have shown that some people’s biology genuinely makes it harder for them to lose weight.

A slower metabolism means they shed fewer kilos than others – despite following the same diet.

The finding, from US government researchers, will be welcomed by the millions of slimmers who have failed to reach their target weight, despite carefully counting calories.

The scientists, from the National Institutes of Health, measured the metabolism of 12 obese people before and after a day of fasting.

Some people’s metabolism – the rate at which the food we eat is burnt off – slowed down more than others. They were described as having a “thrifty” metabolism because their bodies were carefully holding on to calories, rather than “spending” them.

All the volunteers were then put on a strict diet, in which their calorie intake was cut in half for six weeks.

Some lost less weight than expected, even after taking into account age, gender, initial weight and the amount of exercise done.

Nor could their lack of success be blamed on them not following the diet properly.

Analysis showed that those whose metabolism had slowed down the most when fasting lost the least weight. Writing in the journal Diabetes, the researchers said they had clearly shown that a person’s biology can affect how easy it is to lose weight. They said their study was the first to find laboratory evidence supporting the commonly held belief that people with certain physiologies lose less weight than others by dieting.

Dr Susanne Votruba, one of the study’s authors, said: “When people who are obese decrease the amount of food they eat, metabolic responses vary greatly, with a ‘thrifty’ metabolism possibly contributing to less weight lost. While factors such as adherence to diet affect weight to an extent, our study suggests we should consider a larger picture that includes individual physiology.”

But while some people may have to work harder to get in shape, they should not give up. Dr Martin Reinhardt, the study’s lead author, said: “Biology is not destiny. Balanced diet and regular physical activity over a long period can be very effective for weight loss.”

The scientists said they do not know whether some people are born with a “thrifty” metabolism, or if it develops over time, perhaps as a consequence of repeated dieting.

Tam Fry, of Britain’s National Obesity Form, described the research as interesting – but said it would be “pointless” to wait for a diet tailored to metabolism. “The best way to get back into shape is to consume less – even if it’s healthy food – and exercise more,” he said.

Daily Mail

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