An article came out in the NYT on May 8 called “Genes Take Charge and Diets Fall by the Wayside”. This article has created quite a lot of buzz. For those of you who missed it, here is a summary:

Two studies were discussed that demonstrated how obese people who lose a lot of weight (~ 100 pounds) almost always regain the weight. It turns out that this large weight loss causes a 24% slow down in metabolic rate. This makes weight regain more likely. In addition, psychological changes occur that increase the appetite and interest in food.

Another study was cited that demonstrated how lean people who increase their body weight by 20 - 25% (by eating up to 10,000 calories a day!) and become obese will lose the weight and go back to their normal lean weight without dieting within a few months. So one could conclude that due to genetics, our bodies want to stay within a certain weight range.

 I am concerned that the take-home message of this article is that overweight people are doomed to stay overweight. While it likely true that our bodies want to weigh within a certain range, this does not mean that you can not lose weight and keep it off. I see plenty of people in my private practice who lose weight and maintain the loss. Last week at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, I gave a lecture titled “I am Tired of Weighting: New Treatments for Obesity”.  I discussed how people are able to lose weight and keep it off. As an example, I talked about the National Weight Control Registry. This study has been ongoing since 1994. It includes over 5000 people who have lost at least 60 pounds and kept it off for over a year. The majority of people who lost the weight and kept it off are consuming an average of 1400 calories, exercising 400 calories a day and are eating low fat diets with a lot of fruits and vegetables. Yes, it is hard work - but it can be done!

One of the keys to long lasting weight control is to set a realistic weight loss goal. Aim for a 5-10% loss of body weight. Stay there for a while and let your body adjust. You can then figure out if you can realistically lose another 5% of your body weight.  And of course, you will need to follow a reduced calorie diet and regular exercise program.

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