In the Beginning... (A Very Good Place to Start)



From Milky Way Blog

Two more aspects to cover to finish this topic of microenvironmental influences that have been shown to have an impact, in this case long lasting, on weight and metabolism and energy balance. 

The previous few posts were about some of those aspects that we have some degree of control over.  These last two to be discussed deal with the earliest aspect of upbringing.  I mean early earliest, like prenatal / in utero, and also post natal influences, such as whether you were breast or bottle fed.

The in utero environment can have a direct influence on the weight of the baby,  post partum and beyond.  Genetic and gene-environment factors are also being studied in this emerging field of research.

From an International Journal of Pediatrics review article, factors that did have an effect in utero were amount of maternal weight gain, h/o Gestational Diabetes. as well as maternal smoking. The article also described the potential changes that may occur by limiting maternal weight gain, as well as improving maternal nutritional exposure and dietary composition as well. 

Post natal effects of breastfeeding on weight have been studied, and the mix of results is essentially inconclusive.  I reviewed the 'Up to Date' reference that stated that "based on the current evidence it remains unclear as to whether or not breastfeeding is associated with a reduced rate of obesity".  At this time it certainly is not conclusive, and this is a polarizing issue on a number of fronts.

So in summary, the result I wanted to achieve from this most recent review was to try and spell out some of the newer thoughts on what has an impact on weight, metabolism and energy balance, and include both those we have "control" over, and those we do not.

 As is definitely true with this issue, it really is quite complex, and we really don't even know what we don't know yet, so to speak, in regard to all the elements in play, and how they interact.

What we can hopefully have a better appreciation for is that it is 'head in the sand-like' to approach obesity from a strictly calories in - calories out perspective.

Of  additional note, when you reverse the argument, it can likely be said with some conviction that someone who maintains themselves at a reasonable weight may have a lot more going for themselves than their behavior and choices.  Sorry to knock us down a peg or two.  Our DNA, our genes, of which we certainly have no control, may be the overarching factor of grace keeping everything in balance, or not.

And who do you have to thank for that?

Word to your Mother.  And Father...

And, if you can make them guilty enough, maybe they'll even pay for your next attempt at weight loss, as you personally answer your part of that $60.9 Billion question!