Losing Weight Has Nothing to Do With Willpower

Photo by Jarritos Mexican Soda on Unsplash

Overweight and obesity are diseases. As much as we don’t want to hear or say that, it’s what the science and research shows.

It’s not a matter of personality or lifestyle that drives obesity, not exclusively or predominantly, it’s rather a complex biochemical disfunction.

And yet, when the pounds creep up year after year, it becomes tempting to blame a lack of motivation or self-control.

Modern science, however, continues to reveal biological forces underlying obesity that overwhelm even rigorous diet and exercise regimens.

By understanding the molecular mechanisms driving weight gain, we can enact more effective and compassionate solutions.

Appetite and weight

Weight maintenance relies on a complex system balancing energy intake, usage and storage.

It starts with the brain.

The hypothalamus region of the brain serves as the central control center integrating peripheral signals about nutritional status to regulate appetite and metabolism accordingly.

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