It’s Just Five Pounds…Huh
NYT – An ambitious new study published this month in Cell Systems, however, promises to shed some new light, enumerating for the first time the thousands of changes in genes and various biological systems that may occur after even a small amount of weight gain, and which may — or may not — be reversed if the weight is then dropped. The findings may help researchers better understand why adding weight causes some people to develop diabetes and other conditions, and also underscore the cumulative health risks of so-called yo-yo dieting.
This is just relatable to, you know… EVERYBODY. New Years resolutions, beach season, that upcoming vacation, some less then promising blood tests – are just a fraction of the Santa sized list of reasons to shed a few of those unwanted pounds. The unpopular truth is: the average American will gain about one pound of additional weight each year from age 25, or 35 additional pounds by the age of 60. This accounts for the normal loss of muscle mass and bone density, so the typical American is making up for this by packing on some blubber. Now dad bod is starting to make sense.
So what happens as you start to pack on some extra poundage and more importantly how will that affect ummmmm YOU! Well science decided to investigate that matter. The experiment was broken down into three phases: First researchers had a group of 23 volunteers (men and women) eat in excess to gain a little weight, next they asked the volunteers to cut the calories and lose that new weight, lastly participants needed to simply maintain their weight. Easy Right? Throughout the study researchers consistently collected specific data surrounding the participants Genome and Microbiome – specifically around which genes were turned on and the individuals bacteria diversity (good and bad). The results?
“In those tests, the scientists found many biological changes related to weight change. They found that 318 genes worked differently after most subjects had gained even a little weight. Some genes were more active, while others were effectively turned off. Many of these genes are thought to be involved in fat metabolism.”
“The scientists also found multiple new molecular markers in people’s blood after weight gain that can indicate increased inflammation throughout the body and, rather worrisomely, the possible beginnings of cardiomyopathy, or an enlarged heart. Most of these modifications reverted to their previous normal state once the men and women lost the added weight.”
WHOA! Five pounds does WHATTT?
Over 300 genes had been expressed (turned on or off) differently and the risk for serious diseases had increased. That’s like the complete opposite of going on Fire in NBA Jam or even worse, getting blocked by the shot clock when your about to throw down.
The good news is that most of the genes returned to their normal state when the participants returned back to normal weight. But let me remind you of the data way back in the first paragraph:
“The average American will gain about one pound of additional weight each year from age 25, or 35 additional pounds by the age of 60”
For the average American weight fat gain IS in the future, without a healthy lifestyle of exercise, clean eating and sleep, one can -and should- expect the possible repercussions. Yes, the environment is definitely a factor but in most cases that’s something in ones control. More studies are currently underway to build a more conclusive case on the exact effects of weight gain. If you take the 10,000 ft view you’ll see a whole lot of the population relaying on medication and becoming ill as they age. I’m not pointing and fingers but you should be….in the mirror.
We don’t have all the data and I’ll bet my bottom dollar we wont have anything conclusive in our lifetime so do yourself a favor and Put yourself in a position to WIN
