Starting a diet means taking into account many factors to losing weight. One of them, and not the least, is fitness genetics. Fitness genetics is part of what determines your shape and size, as well as your metabolism, which contributes to how fast you can lose weight.
There are various types of genetic blueprints that can influence your weight:
- Fitness genetics: how fast your body burns calories when exercising.
- Metabolism’s genetic signature: how fast or slow your metabolism works.
- Genetics imprints on appetite: how hungry you generally are, how fast you digest food.
- Genes and exercise response: your ability with sports, energy levels, flexibility, etc.
- Shaping storage fat and distribution: where your body stores fat reserves (hips, thighs, arms…)
Understanding fitness genetics and weight loss
Fitness genetics: it’s common knowledge that a diet without exercise is like a car without wheels. However we don’t all react the same way to physical exercise. Every body responds differently to physical activities: maybe your friend can run 10 miles without breaking a sweat, while you’re panting behind with your mascara running. Practice is key in this case and although you might not be naturally sporty, make the effort to work out at least twice a week and you’ll see how it gets easier.
Metabolism's genetic signature: metabolism is how your body processes energy, and burns calories in the process. Those blessed with a genetically faster metabolism naturally burn more calories at rest (these people are the worst), and can eat almost anything without putting on an ounce. Others have a slower metabolism, which means they have to watch their calorie intake and work on burning them off. There are ways to speed up your metabolism to help your body lose weight naturally.
Genetic imprints on appetite: how your body regulates hunger hormones and reacts to food cues can also be in your fitness genetics blueprint. Some people just have a small appetite, feel full after just a few bites or can go hours without having a snack. Obviously, not being hungry impacts how much food you take in, which in turn influences your weight. Learning how to curb your cravings and avoid overeating is key to losing weight in a healthy manner.
Genes and exercise response: not every sport is for everyone. Surely if you put Michael Jordan in a pool he won’t match his performance on the basketball court. Maybe you’re amazing at yoga but suck at running, or maybe you try to lift a weight and fall flat on your face. That’s also determined by genetics, and finding what you’re good at and love doing will help on your weight loss journey.
Shaping fat storage and distribution: genetics also determine your body shape, basically where your body stores fat. That’s why some people have large buttocks and slim faces, while others have lean thighs but chubby arms. While you can’t do anything about your body’s preferred storage spaces, you can adapt your work out routine to specifically target thighs, arms, belly, etc.
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