Question:
What really causes obesity?

I have read 3 books on WLS. One of them stated besides being genetic, that, in an obese person, when the food reaches your duodenum, it tells your brain to hold onto more fat cells than a "regular" person, thus, that is why it is a disease and not a lack of willpower or laziness, however, I haven't seen that reasoning in any other books or research. I presently lent this book to someone so this is not verbatim. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.    — Janine L. (posted on September 28, 2002)

September 28, 2002
It seems writing books about wl and wls are becoming more popular - Many theories now - I don't have a duodenum after rny surgery - but I suspect that will not cure me. Take all the theories with a "grain of salt". There is still much to be learned about obesity. Yes-the waiting can be tough but it is worth it.
   — charlene M.

September 28, 2002
I think that it's a mixture of genes and environment. I know that genes have a lot to do with it. My mom is obese and I can honestly say, she eats the same food as my dad and he is slim. I think my obesity was partly genetic, but mainly due to emotional eating. I had to eat to feel good. But I'll agree with the last post, don't believe everything you read. It seems like there is new information about obesity everyday. Until researchers all get together and compare notes, we'll never get a straight answer. I can tell you that there is a cure. It's WLS and it really works. =)
   — Sarah K.

September 28, 2002
I think its a combination of genetics and environment. We can't blame everything on our genes. I know that I have a problem with food and eat too much. I used to look at my sister and say, we eat the same, yet I am fat and she is not, but I was just fooling myself. Yeah, she would eat high calorie foods (like me), but the difference is if we had something we really liked, when she was full she would put the food away. I would do the same, but as soon as I could get more in, I would go back to it. That is something I still have to work on and probably have to do so the rest of my life.
   — Lisa N M.

September 28, 2002
Like just about everything else, obesity is likely the effect of a genetics-environment interaction. That being said, though, there is ALOT of scientific evidence for a genetic link to obesity. For instance, up to 11 genes have been implicated in the development of morbid obesity. Obese ppl have also been shown to have abnormally insensitive leptin and insulin receptors, in addition to abnormal levels of ghrelin and peptide YY 3-36. And this is just the tip of the iceberg... there's still so much more that scientists don't yet know. And don't forget that having a slow metabolism is not the only biological or genetic issue... It could well be that, yes, (some) MO ppl do eat more than slim ppl, but that they are compelled to do so for biological reasons (like insulin and/or leptin resistance). So, there's no easy answer (not yet, at least)... But I DO think it has alot more to do with biology than most people think. Plus, don't forget that there could be a genetic or biological reason for eating too much.
   — Patricia E.