Even with diet and exercise, most people simply can't keep the weight off
Why?
The Setpoint
Your body has a weight setpoint. When you lose fat, your metabolism decreases to preserve energy and prevent starvation. This is why most diets fail.
In the brain, special neurons sense hormones and regulate metabolism and appetite. If you have too much fat, your brain directly signals your fat cells to release their energy.
It works like a fuel gauge. People gain excess fat when this gauge isn't sensitive enough.
Your Genes
By studying thousands of genomes, scientists have discovered several genes that regulate body weight. Many of the top obesity-associated genes are found in this exact part of the brain! Scientists who study these genes calculate that body weight is between 70% to 90% genetic.
