2 ms·

Sure. It's not "purely mental" for many people -- and even if it was, that doesn't mean we should disregard psychological causes of overeating, under-exercising

Sure. It's not "purely mental" for many people -- and even if it was, that doesn't mean we should disregard psychological causes of overeating, under-exercising, or body dysmorphia. Predisposition to fat gain may be due to maternal influences during gestation including malnutrition; genetic and epigenetic factors; sleep deprivation; poor coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety; childhood weight gain (hardly the fault of the child); complex glandular disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome; and many many other factors possibly including infection. Plus anecdotally we all know that some people simply put on muscle more than others. There will be plenty of research on this, I suggest trawling PubMed. The notion that some people are overweight or obese simply because their will power is less than others' simply doesn't fly any more. A handful of links below. Apologies for shoddy referencing style, on mobile. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childhood_obesity http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childhood_obesity http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23700512 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23700512 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21720205 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21720205 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24010762 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24010762 (rat model) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24425725 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24425725

tomp 11y ago
> The notion that some people are overweight or obese simply because their will power is less than others' simply doesn't fly any more. What does, then? Definitely there are other ways of losing weight (surgery, drugs), and there exist a few people here and there that have actual health problems (i.e. their bodies are functioning incorrectly), but I think their numbers are greatly exaggerated. Even if it might be harder for some people to do so, most people can lose weight by being disciplined (i.e. by willpower). Unlike many other medical issues that a person cannot solve by themselves (or things that were considered medical issues in the past, e.g. being gay).
- austinjp 11y ago
  Will power is of course important. My point is that it's far more nuanced than simply "stop eating so much". Quite plainly, if it was that simple there wouldn't be a problem. Additionally, "will power" is tremendously complex. We must recognise this and add it to the understanding that people are non-deterministic, complex creatures -- physically, mentally, socially, and metabolically. It's no more someone's fault they're fat than its someone else's fault they're lean. Genetics, epigenetics, in utero influences, disease, social factors, mental health, sleep.... they are all significant. In a time where personalised medicine is making giant leaps and grabbing headlines we should recognise that obesity and fat-related health and social issues are complex and sensitive, and require deep understanding.

tomp 11y ago

> The notion that some people are overweight or obese simply because their will power is less than others' simply doesn't fly any more. What does, then? Definitely there are other ways of losing weight (surgery, drugs), and there exist a few people here and there that have actual health problems (i.e. their bodies are functioning incorrectly), but I think their numbers are greatly exaggerated. Even if it might be harder for some people to do so, most people can lose weight by being disciplined (i.e. by willpower). Unlike many other medical issues that a person cannot solve by themselves (or things that were considered medical issues in the past, e.g. being gay).

austinjp 11y ago
Will power is of course important. My point is that it's far more nuanced than simply "stop eating so much". Quite plainly, if it was that simple there wouldn't be a problem. Additionally, "will power" is tremendously complex. We must recognise this and add it to the understanding that people are non-deterministic, complex creatures -- physically, mentally, socially, and metabolically. It's no more someone's fault they're fat than its someone else's fault they're lean. Genetics, epigenetics, in utero influences, disease, social factors, mental health, sleep.... they are all significant. In a time where personalised medicine is making giant leaps and grabbing headlines we should recognise that obesity and fat-related health and social issues are complex and sensitive, and require deep understanding.