Willpower or biology: Who is in the driver’s seat?
To lose weight you will need to eat less and move more. But many aspects
of our eating choices and physical activity are determined by complex
biological systems that lie beyond our willpower.
Fuelling your engine: how metabolism drives weight fluctuation
There’s an age-old myth that people who live with obesity have a slow
metabolism. In reality, people living with obesity often need to expend
more energy to maintain homeostasis. The speed of your metabolism can be
influenced by genetics, but small changes to routine can rev up your metabolism.
From the direct costs of medications and medical care to the indirect
expenses of mental health support and career limitations, the financial
burden of obesity can be substantial and far-reaching.
Why is obesity a disease and not simply lack of willpower or a matter of
lifestyle? Part of the answer lies in the fact that there’s more to
obesity than you can see. A lot more.
Many things can cause you to gain weight, but is obesity genetic? Learn
about the relationship between genetics and obesity and what research
can tell us.
How hormones steer our appetite and eating behaviour
Flowing through your blood are chemical messengers that help to control
your appetite. Understanding how they work can shed the light on the
role of biology in weight regulation.