Why Some People Hog But Still Don't Get Fat - Ms. Veena V

For some individuals, gaining weight despite consuming large amounts of food can be frustrating and puzzling. Several factors, ranging from genetics to lifestyle habits, can contribute to this phenomenon.

According to Ms. Veena V, Chief Clinical Dietician at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, it’s important to understand the underlying reasons behind why some people remain lean, even when they eat a lot.

These reasons often involve a complex interplay of genetic, metabolic, and hormonal factors, as well as lifestyle choices that affect calorie burning and storage. Below are the key factors that could explain this condition:

1. High Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): People with higher basal metabolic rates have a higher consumption rate of calories than others. This means that their bodies burn an extra degree of calories even when they are resting or are asleep, and that storing calories as fats becomes difficult.

2. Genetics: Genetics can influence body composition, appetite, and how efficiently the body stores fat. Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to stay lean. People’s body structure, body composition, appetite and even its efficiency in storing fat, can also depend on their genetic predisposition. Hence, some people are genetically wired to be lean while some have a bulkier body structure.

3. Active Lifestyle: People who are naturally more active, have a higher calorie expenditure even without exercising. This condition is called non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT).

4. Efficient Digestion: Some individuals’ bodies may not absorb all the calories they consume, possibly due to variations in gut health or conditions like a faster intestinal transit time.

5. Hormonal Factors: Hormones like leptin (which regulates hunger) may function differently in some people, leading to lower fat storage despite high calorie intake.

6. Food Choices: There are people who might seem to eat a lot, but actually consume low caloric food and have an irregular appetite. This leads to no significant addition of calories in the body, thus keeping them lean.

7. Stress or Other Medical Conditions: Conditions like hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or stress can also increase metabolic rate and calorie burn. Other medical conditions or medications may also affect weight gain.

8. Muscle Mass: People with more muscle mass burn more calories because muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain than fat.

9. Appetite Regulation: Some individuals naturally regulate their intake subconsciously. If they overeat at one meal, they may eat less at the next without realizing it.

The reasons behind why some people struggle to gain weight despite consuming large amounts of food are complex and unique to each individual. Factors such as metabolism, genetics, and lifestyle habits play significant roles in determining how the body processes and stores calories.

While some may need to make adjustments to their diet or activity levels, others may require medical interventions to address underlying conditions.

Ultimately, understanding the factors at play and working with healthcare professionals can help individuals navigate their weight management challenges and achieve their health goals.