Obesity: Why are we getting fat? :epizza:

[Michaelangelica]

Just Maybe, Obesity Is In Your Head

In addition to the FTO and MC4R genes already known, it was now possible for six more obesity genes to be identified: TMEM18, KCTD15, GNPDA2, SH2B1, MTCH2, and NEGR1.

Gene expression analyses have shown that all six genes are active in brain cells. Also the previously known two obesity genes, FTO and MC4R, show a similar expression pattern; in case of the MC4R gene, a genotype-dependant influence on the behavior of appetite is already established.
. . .
"Definitely, the two main causes for obesity are poor nutrition and lack of physical activity. But the biology of these genes suggests genetic factors underlying the different reaction of people to lifestyle and environmental conditions."

With the exception of the SH2B1 gene, which plays a role in the leptin signalling and thus in the regulation of appetite, none of the other five genes was hitherto discussed as obesity genes.

[Michaelangelica]

Hormones make women fatter
Tuesday, 03 March 2009
University of New South Wales

Oestrogen stores fat to prepare the body for
childbirth, meaning women can exercise
more than men and still have a higher body
fat percentage!
Image: iStockphoto

It’s a paradox that has flummoxed women for generations – their apparent ability to store fat more efficiently than men, despite eating proportionally fewer calories.

While it has long been suspected that female sex hormones are responsible, a University of New South Wales (UNSW) research review has for the first time drawn a link between one hormone – oestrogen – and its impact on fat storage for childbearing.

On average, women have 6 to 11 per cent more body fat than men. Studies show oestrogen reduces a woman’s ability to burn energy after eating, resulting in more fat being stored around the body. The likely reason is to prime women for childbearing, the review suggests.

Hormones make women fatter(ScienceAlert)

[paigetheoracle]

One thing I don't think that has been mentioned is the Catch 22 situation with regards to exercise and being overweight. The more you put on, the more you have to carry and the less able you are to be able to exercise (bulk to fitness ratio). In such a situation only diet restrictions could be applied, in an attempt to control weight, especially is a reaction to an allergen. I don't know if this obesity problem is viral or not but the grossly overweight condition now being displayed isn't natural food storage, unless it has been triggered by something we don't know about as it doesn't enhance survival because in the wild such people would be easy targets for predators as well as find it difficult to move around and forage for food themselves.

[Nitack]

Mice With Disabled Gene That Helps Turn Carbs Into Fat Stay Lean Despite Feasting On High-carb Diet

ScienceDaily (Mar. 23, 2009) — Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have identified a gene that plays a critical regulatory role in the process of converting dietary carbohydrates to fat. In a new study, they disabled this gene in mice, which consequently had lower levels of body fat than their normal counterparts, despite being fed the equivalent of an all-you-can-eat pasta buffet.

I find this to be rather disturbing simply from the standpoint that we may soon investigate a manipulation of DNA in order to help people shed or keep off unwanted pounds. Yes, perhaps it is a greatly needed solution for a population that can not resist eating more Calories than they need, but what happens if Calories suddenly are not as plentiful. What if all those global warming nuts (me included) are right and food crops die out as global temperatures rise? I have a feeling that this sort of research is paving the way for an unintended consequence of horrific proportions, like people starving to death on a 2000 Calorie a day diet. Screwing with DNA is just a wee bit of a scary proposition no?

[Nitack]

Originally Posted by Kayra

Well said HB

He repeated the same arguments I had been making all along about balance of energy and the underlying contributing factors to the different parts of the equation.

It appears that you are more concerned with who makes an argument than what is actually said...

[maikeru]

Originally Posted by Michaelangelica

.................................................. ............

Why does this happen do you think?

Green tea plus exercise speeds the loss of tummy fat | Booster Shots | Los Angeles Times
interestingly the researches say it also cuts down breast cancer risk (A lot of fat cells in breasts)

Gogo green tea. One of my favorite beverages. A slight note of caution, though. If you're already skinny (or have very low body fat, as seems to be my case), watch out for the possibility of low blood sugar. Sometimes if I drink green tea or coffee and haven't had a good breakfast or lunch and I'm particularly active, like with ballroom dance, weight lifting, or work, I can become light-headed and tired or groggy soon after. All symptoms of low blood sugar. Usually a piece of bread, crackers, or juice will make me feel normal again. Green tea is excellent for burning extra calories and reaping numerous health benefits, but make sure you have enough fuel from food or excess around the waist to keep the fire burning. I think it is an excellent addition to a weight-loss or normal exercise plan. When my father lost about 30-40 lbs, it was one of the key ingredients in the "weight-loss diet" besides more whole grains, fruits, and veggies. He would drink 1-2 cups of green tea before going for 30 minute walks. It also cuts down muscle soreness and pain after exercise or weight lifting.

[Nitack]

Beverage Consumption A Bigger Factor In Weight, Study Shows

Beverage Consumption A Bigger Factor In Weight, Study Shows

ScienceDaily (Apr. 2, 2009) — When it comes to weight loss, what you drink may be more important than what you eat, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Researchers examined the relationship between beverage consumption among adults and weight change and found that weight loss was positively associated with a reduction in liquid calorie consumption and liquid calorie intake had a stronger impact on weight than solid calorie intake.

[paigetheoracle]

I personally still believe it isn't viral but allergic because of the worldwide rise in this as well (different manifestation but same large amount = same cause?). If it's viral what advantage does the virus have an inflating the hosts body or is this being argued as a side effect? When somebody is poisoned, doesn't the body naturally inflate as the body tries to dilute the toxin or am I barking up the wrong tree and if so why?

[Michaelangelica]

Your Food Allergies Are Making You Fat

Your Food Allergies Are Making You Fat

This image shows how interlinked the immune system, and response is to diet and other exposures. Inflammation caused from food could be one factor in weight gain and preventing weight loss. Photo credit: NIH

I think the system is a bit simpler.
Just as the body warps toxic chemicals it cannot excrete (metals,chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphates, endosulphan?) in fat, and tucks them away somewhere. So too, the same process could work with allergens- especially food intolerances-the inability to break down complex amino acids into a usable form (eg milk allergy?)

SEE
Chemical Used on Crops could Make You Fat

Pollution can make you fat, study claims - Health News, Health & Wellbeing - The Independent

Is Toxicity Making you Fat?

Chemicals Can Make You Fat

[Racoon]

So after this big long discussion and evaluation Michael, whats your synopsis??.

Everything from Genes, to allergies, to corporate mass produced food makes you FAT.

The time comes to answer the question: "What makes you burn calories? , so you don't get fat " ??

I'm surprised you keep putting up articles and stuff that blame everything but the people themselves for being fat. Personal accountability and decisions make a person Fat or not.

The info is out there. You've stated every reason why fat people are fat, but it hasn't changed anything.

Seriously, this thread should end..
Its not Rocket Science.
Its Basic Accounting. as in Calories > Expenditure = Fat