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Genetics as a reason for getting fat? Anonymous
Is this really true?

If there are people who can eat unhealthy constantly and not gain fat, there can't be too many like that.

Genetics seems more like an excuse for most.

Obesity comes from overeating and lack of exercise, right?
>> Anonymous
no fat jews in concentration camps.
>> Anonymous
In older people, it's pretty much dietary. But in people 25 years or younger, it's almost always genetic.
>> Anonymous
I eat pretty much what I want, and as much of it as I can get and I'm definitely not fat, but if someone has genes that cause them to gain wait when they eat unhealthily then its still there fault for not exercising. They can't just be 'i gain weight when I eat so I'm not going to even try losing it'.
>> Anonymous
I can't say I really believe it's genetic. I think it's more of if your parent's are fat, you have a very good chance to be because you will eat and exercise the way they do (almost guaranteed to be unhealthy). Rarely do you see a fat kid with in shape parents, mostly because of their diet and activity levels, IMO.
>> Anonymous
genetics can play a part in weight gain. People such as myself have to work a bit harder to stay in shape.
>> Anonymous
>>100774

THIS

i have a crappy metabolism. i know this. so i have to be extra vigilant in what i eat. ive had to give up everything i love to eat.

life isnt fair. get over it and do your best.
>> Anonymous
Oh shit I sense another somatotype flame war.

Ok, first and foremost, there are MANY genetic reasons why a person could be fat/thin/whatever, even without extraneous factors. Here are some:

Cortisol output
Insulin sensitivity
Thyroid output
Thyroid sensitivity
Testosterone production
Growth hormone output
IGF output
Muscle fiber composition
CNS recovery rate
Digestive capacity
Amount of muscle fibers
Length of muscle bellies/tendons
Muscle insertion points

No one can be sorted perfectly into a single somatotype, but even if someone is labelled an "ecto-mesomorph" or something to that effect, it is still very vague.

Yes, genetics play a HUGE factor in terms of your body composition but ONLY if your lifestyle is currently SEDENTARY. If you get proper fitness information and make an effort to change your body, ANYONE can have a stunning physique.

And yes, genetics will make the road there easier/harder than most depending on who you are, but if you give in to that then it's your loss and everyone else's gain.

Also, being naturally thin does not give you a free ticket to eating shit all the time. Enjoy your assortment of health problems by the time you're 30.
>> Anonymous
>>100767
This.
>> Anonymous
I'd have to say I agree with this.

My parents and most of my intermediate family are overweight (especially my Dad), so I always have to go the extra mile to find something healthy in the house because they don't care for healthy foods, only taste.
>> Anonymous
Genetics gives you advantages and disadvantages among others through natural selection. It does NOT, however, determine your weight indefinitely. Initially we are all of the same species and our bodies generally work the same way. You still have to eat responsibly, exercise, and remain natural to how your body was meant to work. Some people gain and loose weight easier than others but that doesn't, by any means, give them an automatic win at life. They still have to work to attain and keep it.
>> Anonymous
I cant say I have ever worked out, or walked, or even eaten healthy. Sure I get a gut every now and then but it seems to go away when I stop eating badly every day. I thank god every day I am like this, some people have it bad ;_;
>> Anonymous
>>100782
This is all anyone needs to read in this thread.

Everyone has a genetic limit on muscle size and muscle strength, and that is the main thing that genetics truly affect. Anyone can achieve their genetic potential, and while it may be harder for some than others, it is still possible and there is no excuse.
>> Anonymous
I would liken it to those with acne and why they have it.

it could be dietary or you were just more prone to it than others. does this mean you should just give up and let it dominate you? fuck no

I don't know anyone who has acne and isn't trying to get rid of it and I do not know why some fat people don't feel the same way.
>> Anonymous
Skinny people "who eat whatever they want and never get fat" often are people who don't eat very much, while fat people "who have slow metabolisms and easily gain weight" are more often than not people who eat 1.5x or more food a normal person does and do not exercise.

It's genetic, yes, but genetics cannot account for rising % of obesity in a population. There are a tiny few people who can eat healthy and exercise regularly and still be fat.
>> Anonymous
Genetics and heredity only accounts of 25-40% of it. Even then if you're not a lazy ass and exercise you don't have a problem.
>> Anonymous
>>100813
all you have to do to get rid of acne is rub some crap on your face 1-2 times a day. If exercising were that easy, there would be no fat people.
>> Anonymous
>>100821
How wrong you are.
>> Anonymous
>>100821
what kind of crap are you referring to? I must get some.
>> Anonymous
Both of my parents are skinny, still. I'm 6'1" and 135lbs. I work out only an hour a day and eat alright.
>> Anonymous
>>100831
clearisil goop.

>>100823
if all I had to do was rub that disgusting goop on someone and they would be fit, then I would personally massage fat people's bodies with it.
being a super duper super man, I could easily rub the fat population's bodies in 1 day.
>> Anonymous
>>100831
hydrogen peroxide, the main ingredient in many of those overpriced pads and crap. It will dry your skin out, but thats why its so good with acne. That shit kept me pimple free in my younger days.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxide
>> Anonymous
>>100838
this is where you are wrong and its obvious you've never had to deal with actual acne (we're not talking about a pimple or two)

having gotten myself to finally get rid of moderate acne after years AND putting on weight through exercise I think it's safe for me to say they require similar amounts of motivation and effort put in. if you try you can change it, if you dont you dont. its as simple as that.

I spend 15 minutes on my face daily to keep it clear. I work out three times a week at about an hour each. The hardest part about working out is GETTING to the gym or whatever and starting. It's fucking easy once you start and get yourself past the warmup stage. Hell its downright enjoyable.

Am I saying if I was 400 pounds it would be perfectly comparable? Obviously not, but then again I started attacking my acne when it became noticible. If all fat people would be the same and get their ass to the gym as soon as they start noticing they have gained 20 pounds they wouldn't have to work so hard.
>> Anonymous
Everyone in my family is obese except me. Genetics is no excuse to be a fatass. Stop eating Big Macs and 5 liters of Pepsi every day. Exercise 60-90 minutes daily, 6 days a week.
>> Anonymous
http://scienceblogs.com/gnxp/2007/12/obesity_is_heritable_not_genet.php
>> Anonymous
My boyfriend and I eat a fuckton of crap, cookies and fast food, never exercise, and are both under-healthy weight. I'm 21, he's 30. I totally buy that every body's got a set weight that it wants to stay at, maybe changing with age and shit. Point being that weight is irrelevant here - we'll both die before the fatties who exercise and cook their food.
>> Anonymous
>>100782
no, you're wrong.

fat people are lazy and thin people are better, period.
>> Anonymous
>>102984
I dont know about that.

I know a fatass can take a punch to the gut better than me.