Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 02 Dec 2024
Why Do Some People Stay Slim Despite Eating A Lot? Know The Science Behind It
There is a combination of genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors that help them to stave off the extra pounds
While you may turn green with envy at why some people you know never seem to gain weight or become fat even though they eat a lot, there is a scientific reason behind it. Even though some people constantly struggle with their weight issues despite putting a lot of effort into cutting down calories and exercising, it's a cakewalk for others.
According to experts, there is a combination of genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors that help them to stave off the extra pounds. A few reasons behind not gaining weight include:
High Basal Metabolic Rate or BMR
According to experts, someone with a high basal metabolic rate or fast metabolism can burn a lot of calories, even when their body is at rest. If you have a slow metabolism or slow BMR, your body will need fewer calories to keep it going.
Hormones
For any person, hunger is controlled by two hormones: ghrelin and leptin. While leptin, produced by fat cells, suppresses appetite, ghrelin does the exact opposite and makes you hungrier.
Those who have higher leptin sensitivity or production find it easier to control cravings and even lose weight.
Genetics
Doctors say both healthy thinness and morbid obesity are heritable traits. According to studies, genetic variants among thin people differ tremendously from those with normal weight and those who are severely obese.
Genetics also influences body composition, appetite, and its efficiency in storing fat. That is why some people are lean while others tend to be overweight.
Sleep patterns
You can control your hormones by getting at least seven hours of sleep every night. Sleep deprivation sends your ghrelin levels spiking and your body overproduces cortisol, a hormone that instigates hunger. In short, sleeping more could cause a person to weigh less.
Eating patterns and habits
Experts say how you eat can also determine the amount you would consume. If you eat at a slower pace and chew more, you are less likely to gain weight, as your brain gets more time to signal the body that you are full.
Efficient digestion
For many people, their bodies may not absorb all the calories they consume, possibly due to variations in gut health and conditions like a faster intestinal transit time.
Ways to improve your digestion
Apart from eating nutrient-dense foods that can help you lose or maintain your weight, a few things you can do to improve your digestion and boost nutrient absorption include:
- Eat foods that are loaded with probiotics like yogurt and Natto to improve the gut microbiome
- Consume foods that have prebiotics like garlic, onions, and wheat to improve your gut health
- Eat more enzyme-rich fruits like pineapple and kiwi to help with digestion
- Avoid fried foods, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, and other hard-to-digest foods that prevent the bowel from moving too quickly, which affects nutrient absorption.
- Avoid undigested food like sticky rice to prevent the bowel movement that causes a feeling of fullness and the inability to consume
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