Why is Losing Fat So Difficult?
Many people want to lose weight; few successfully do. Research also shows that those who are able to lose fat often gain this weight back over time. Yet weight loss is frequently presented as a simple and easy concept: to see the number on the scale drop, create a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories (eating less) and burning more calories (moving more).
These are the laws of thermodynamics and not something I’m here to debate. However, given people’s difficulty with losing weight, something is clearly complicating matters.
Experts I’ve interviewed have provided a few possible explanations. There is the concept of obesity memory, in which the body tries to retain fat for energy as an archaic survival practice. There is also the idea that humans have a subconscious snacking habit, conditioned by an obesogenic environment in which we are constantly shown, and given access to, more-ish foods.
Excerpted from the Independent
