Scrawny vs. Fat

Overweight people are often mass-characterized as lazy individuals who eat unhealthy food all the time. Is this true? Absolutely not!

While there are overweight people who may fit that description, it can also apply to those with a seemingly healthy body size. In my experience, when it comes to the nutritional component of health and fitness, one thing is for sure, and that is that no one is perfect. As a matter of fact, what is perfect? Are those people who constantly judge and comment on the health of others perfect? I think not.

Why then, is it that some of as are skinny and others are fat? Thin people often assume they are ‘healthier’ than their overweight counterparts because they make better choices when it comes to food and lifestyle behaviors. Popular culture and society reinforces this belief by perpetuating the misconception that anyone larger than a size 6 is lazy, unmotivated, unhealthy and plain and simple just doesn't care about themselves.

The truth is there are a number of factors, beyond calorie intake and time spent at the gym, that affect body size. In fact, most people, regardless of size, have very similar diets, adding credence to the idea that other factors may in fact be what makes some people fat while others stay thin. Consider the following questions:

● Why is it that if two different people on the same poor diet and exercise regimen manifest different problems (some gain weight, others don’t; some become diabetic and others do not, etc.)?

● Why do we see family members who are exposed to the same living environment, who adapt similar lifestyle habits, including nutrition, express their body image in different ways? For example, a brother who’s thin and a sister who’s overweight.

● Why do some college students gain fat in their first year of school while others maintain or even lose weight? Is it because the ones that gain weight are any unhealthier then those that stay thin? Do they drink and party more then the thinner kids? No! They all eat the same crappy food that’s convenient to cook, stay up late, work hard and party.

So why is it that even when diet and exercise are similar, some people end up gaining excess body fat while others do not? Are genetics to blame?

Unique Individuality

There are many factors that trigger one's body to hold onto fat, and these triggers are unique to each individual. So two people can be on the same diet yet respond differently to it. Two people can be on the same exercise routine, and one will progress and the other will stall. A significant element of how our bodies will respond to diet and exercise is our capacity to handle stress (emotional stress, nutritional stress, physical stress, etc.), which alters our hormonal profile and our ability to burn fat.

Unfortunately those people that tend to be more sensitive and prone to storing fat (for whatever reason) have to recognize that it’s something that they’re going to have to live with and manage. Comparing themselves to others or lamenting the fact such a burden is unfair is simply wasted time.

However, a predisposition to storing body fat does not condone someone to being overweight. With determination and a comprehensive lifestyle plan, which includes everything from stress management to individualized nutritional protocols and customized exercise programs, progress, and even a normal body weight is possible. Not tailoring lifestyle choices to manage the condition will hold you back, just as a diabetic not monitoring his sugar levels risks additional health problems. This is why we see so many people at our gyms who exercise diligently and don’t seem to lose weight, whereas others with more normal body fat storage tendencies can cut soda pop out of their diet and lose double digits.

Wrap up

Next time you feel the urge to comment on someone else's appearance or health, take a moment to think twice about what struggles they may face, and consider that your comments, however well intentioned, probably won't be helpful. Then take a hard look at how you might improve yourself – maybe an attitude adjustment is in order?