Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Have you ever wondered why one person seems to gain weight quickly while another stays slim despite eating similar meals? It is a question that has puzzled families, friends and even scientists for decades. While diet remains a major factor in body weight, research shows that calories alone do not tell the whole story.
Studies suggest that weight gain is influenced by a combination of biological, genetic and lifestyle factors. This means that two people eating roughly the same amount of food may not process, store or burn those calories in the same way.
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As obesity rates continue to rise globally, understanding these differences has become increasingly important.
According to health experts, obesity is linked to a higher risk of several serious conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease and certain cancers. This has led researchers to investigate why some people are more likely to gain weight than others.
THE HIDDEN CALORIES BURNED THROUGH DAILY MOVEMENT
One important factor is something known as non-exercise activity thermogenesis, or NEAT. This refers to the calories burned through everyday activities such as walking around the house, standing, climbing stairs, changing posture and even fidgeting.
Research published in the journal Science found that some individuals naturally move more throughout the day than others. These small movements can add up and burn hundreds of extra calories daily. People who are less active between workouts may store more energy as body fat, even if they follow the same exercise routine as someone else.
HORMONES PLAY A MAJOR ROLE
The body’s appetite and energy balance are controlled by hormones. Two of the most important are leptin and ghrelin.
Leptin signals the brain when the body has had enough food, while ghrelin triggers feelings of hunger. Differences in how these hormones function can influence how often a person feels hungry and how satisfied they feel after eating.
Research has shown that hormonal imbalances can make it harder for some people to control appetite, increasing the likelihood of overeating over time.
METABOLISM IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE
Another key factor is resting metabolic rate, which refers to the number of calories the body burns while performing basic functions such as breathing and maintaining body temperature.
Studies show that metabolism is affected by age, sex, muscle mass, genetics and thyroid function. People with more muscle generally burn more calories, even when resting. As a result, two individuals of the same weight may have different daily calorie requirements.
GENES CAN INFLUENCE BODY WEIGHT
Scientists have identified several genes linked to obesity risk. One of the most studied is the FTO gene, which has been associated with increased appetite and a higher likelihood of weight gain.
Research published in Nature Genetics suggests that genetic factors can affect how the body stores fat, regulates hunger and uses energy. While genes do not determine destiny, they can make weight management more challenging for some people.
THE EMERGING ROLE OF GUT BACTERIA
The human gut contains trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome. Recent studies suggest these microbes may influence how efficiently the body extracts energy from food.
Research has found that certain gut bacteria may be linked to increased fat storage and changes in appetite regulation. Although scientists are still exploring this area, evidence indicates that gut health could play a role in long-term weight management.
SLEEP MAY BE A MISSING PIECE
Lack of sleep has also been linked to weight gain. Multiple studies have shown that poor sleep can increase hunger hormones, reduce feelings of fullness and trigger cravings for high-calorie foods.
Sleep deprivation may also lower energy levels, making people less physically active during the day. Over time, these effects can contribute to gradual weight gain.
MORE THAN JUST CALORIES
The traditional idea that weight gain depends on calories consumed versus calories burned remains true. However, modern research shows that metabolism, genetics, hormones, sleep quality, gut health and daily activity levels all influence how the body handles those calories.
This explains why two people can eat similar meals and still have very different experiences with weight gain. Understanding these biological differences can help shift the conversation away from blame and towards a more informed view of weight management and overall health.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
