Why It Is So Hard to Lose Weight

By Shlomo Maital  

     Biochemists have finally, I believe, cracked the problem of weight loss – Why is it so hard to lose weight, when some overweight people exercise strenuously, diet fiercely – and their weight remains the same?

      It is related to the body’s metabolism, and to differences in how our cells metabolize sugar and energy – specifically, the mitochondria, the little ‘motors’ inside our cells that consume ‘fuel’ to provide energy for our body’s cells.

       A molecule known as pgc1-alpha regulates this process.  Turns out – there are 3 ‘flavors’ of it;   pgc1-alpha A, B and C.   The A flavor regulates long-term energy burning – over time.  The B and C flavors regulate the short-term – after a strenuous workout, how fast we burn energy to fuel it.  Some people, it emerges, simply have a shortfall of B and C.  And B and C are up to 10 times more powerful, in metabolizing fat, than A. 

          There is a tendency to blame overweight people, believing they lack will power or determination.  It turns out not to be the case.  It is a matter of differences in how our bodies metabolize fats and carbohydrates.

           Let’s show some understanding for those who struggle with obesity – make Herculean efforts, and still remain obese.

           For reference: see:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17108241/