wrote:

Matt Whiting wrote:


I was talking about the GENERAL obesity problem in the US, not any
particular person. Sure, there are all sorts of medical conditions that
can cause weight gain or loss. I never said otherwise.


Medical conditions? I never said that skinny people were sick.
However, sometimes watching them gorge themselves does make *me* sick
with envy.

Its generally related to metabolism - the rate at which we burn all
those calories. I can't cite any medical reference for this, but I do
know that when I fast (i.e.-quit eating), I lose weight slower than if
I just cut back. With a low carb diet, I can actually gorge myself on
legal foods and lose weight faster than fasting.

That is why you shouldn't quit eating, just reduce portion sizes.


The point I'm trying to make is that somehow my system shifts gears
when it comes to metabolism. If I go hungry, my metabolism slows way
down. Pig out and it speeds up. In these naturally skinny people, I
think that it's in high gear pretty much all of the time.

Yes, everyone's system does that. That is why exercise is an important
component of any successful, lasting weight loss/control program.
Exercise itself greatly increases metabolism and the extra muscle mass
you create also increases your base metabolic rate so the benefits keep
on accruing even between exercise sessions. That is why any competent
trainer will recommend strength training in addition to cardio in
addition to eating less of the right foods. Cardio burns more calories
at the moment, but has little to no lasting affect. My trainer says you
will burn more calories for another hour or two after a cardio workout.
After a round with the weights, he says you will burn extra calories
for up to 24 hours! I've seen a number of other sources make this same
claim so I don't think he's blowing smoke.


Matt