Health Briefs

Weight Loss: Can You Overcome Genetics?  

Maybe your mom wasn’t able to lose her pregnancy weight, and you’re pretty sure your inability to lose weight is the fault of your dad’s genes. 

But while your family history may play some role, says Nick Nicholson, M.D., a bariatric surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, the bigger culprit is probably your lifestyle.  

By taking the right steps, he adds, you can achieve sustainable weight loss. 

Stop blaming your genes. While your genes may play a role in how your body looks, don’t use them as an excuse for being overweight. “Successful weight-loss is really a lifestyle and environmental issue,” Dr. Nicholson says. 

Explore your past. Think about the habits you grew up with. Consider this: “Kids who are adopted by obese couples are more predisposed to obesity,” Dr. Nicholson says.  

If your parents ate fresh vegetables, lean meats and whole grains and exercised, you’re more likely to engage in those habits as an adult. 

Realize that obesity is a medical condition. “Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in America—second to smoking,” Dr. Nicholson. “Being overweight is like smoking a pack a day. Patients say, ‘I don’t smoke. I’m just overweight.’ But in many ways it’s just as bad for your health.” 

Don’t make drastic changes. The more extreme your diet changes are, the harder they’ll be to keep up with in the long run—regardless of your short-term successes, Dr. Nicholson says. 

Acknowledge the little things. Eating an extra 100 calories a day adds up to 10 pounds in a year. Likewise, burning a few extra calories every day matters. 

Focus on the things you can do. Switch from regular to diet soda or better yet, water. Get rid of sugar and cream in your coffee. Take the stairs. Walk your dog in the evenings. You might not see a drastic change overnight, but in time, you will see results.  

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Dr. Nicholson says.  

Trying to lose weight? Watch how Baylor Plano’s Weight Loss Surgery Program made a difference in the life of Grady Harris. To attend a free weight loss surgery seminar at Baylor Plano, click here for date and registration information.