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  • How do some people keep weight off?

    I posted this under another forum and then saw this one....

    Even more of a reason to work hard at life-long Atkins and to stay in touch for support in the ADBB, here is an article in the Wall St. Journal today that says:

    Can't Keep the Weight Off?
    Maybe Leptin Is the Culprit


    "So, you ate less and exercised more and lost weight. But now the pounds are piling back on. You're hungrier than ever, and you can't seem to resist food. Once again, it's all your fault, right?

    Wrong. Blame evolution, and the fact that for the vast majority of human history, famine was a bigger threat than flab. Even your seeming lack of will power is part of a complex biological system that drives humans who have lost weight to regain it, according to new brain-scan research by scientists at Columbia University Medical Center."

    ..."Loosely put, after you've lost weight, you have more of an emotional response to food and less ability to control that response," says Michael Rosenbaum, lead author of the study in this month's Journal of Clinical Investigation. The key driver of this system is leptin, a hormone secreted by fat cells. When humans (and rodents) lose 10% or more of their body weight, leptin falls rapidly and sets off a cascade of physiological changes that act to put weight back on. Skeletal muscles work more efficiently, thyroid and other hormones are reduced -- all so the body burns 15% to 20% fewer calories, enough to put back 25 pounds or more a year.

    This mechanism kicks in whether people are obese or relatively lean before losing weight -- and researchers believe the effect can last for years."



    ...How do some people manage to overcome the leptin effect and keep weight off? Generally by watching their food intake very carefully and continuing to increase their physical activity. "Anybody who has lost weight and kept it off will tell you that they have to keep battling," says Dr. Rosenbaum. "They have essentially reinvented themselves, and they are worthy of the utmost admiration and respect."

    see the article here:
    Health Journal - WSJ.com


    OK I'll fess up: the fighting emoticons were my addition, don't know why the editors at the WSJ did not just insert them right there....
    Last edited by gman; September 7, 2008, 09:30 AM.
    240/231/198
    6'1"
    01/09/10
    Goal 1: 229
    Goal 2: 219
    Goal 3: 209
    Goal 4: 198
    Goal 5: Maintain @195-198

  • #2
    Re: How do some people keep weight off?

    Great thread Glenn!
    This really hit home with me. Going into my 5th year of Atkins and being at my goal ONCE at 219 lbs. Back in "06". For me, the difficulty wasn't in losing the weight, For me, it melted off of me quickly. It's maintaning and keeping the weight off, that's when the real work began with me.
    I'm still sorting out the emotions that got me at 374 lbs. Now/still with over 100 pounds gone, I still have old ghost (emotions, habits) that want to creep back into my life because of stress. I can really see how I USE to feed my emotions back then. Now i'm over 20 pounds from goal. Getting my grip from the slippery slope I find myself on. Suffering from major burn out.
    This is a journey of healing, making healthier choices, therefore, healthier habits. Evolving into a healthier lifestyle.
    It really is about reinventing ourselves and being worthy of the upmost admiration and respect.
    It was nice to be reminded of just that. This gives me that push I needed for tomorrow when I tighten up the reins and head back to goal. "Keep Battling"
    Thanks Glenn!
    I liked what he wrote here-
    How do some people manage to overcome the leptin effect and keep weight off? Generally by watching their food intake very carefully and continuing to increase their physical activity. "Anybody who has lost weight and kept it off will tell you that they have to keep battling," says Dr. Rosenbaum. "They have essentially reinvented themselves, and they are worthy of the utmost admiration and respect."
    MOTHEREARTH AKA SHERRI "HOW THE WORLD TURNS AS I SEE IT"
    HT: 5'10.5-Highest weight-374 lbs.
    Began ATKINS 07-07-04 @ 334 lbs.
    Maintaned 101 lb. Weightloss
    New goals-New start 03-21-10 @ 273
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~inches lost~~~~
    1st mini-goal: 260
    2nd mini-goal:249
    2nd mini-goal:239
    3rd mini-goal:229
    GOAL :225




    Comment


    • #3
      Re: How do some people keep weight off?

      This is a real eye-opener for me. After losing about 90 pounds, I've regained 30 over the past year. I was on and off Atkins constantly over the course of the year... I kept saying it was NOT this hard the first time, and I didn't understand why it was so much harder to just bite the bullet and get it done. This part especially hit home:

      "Loosely put, after you've lost weight, you have more of an emotional response to food and less ability to control that response," says Michael Rosenbaum, lead author of the study in this month's Journal of Clinical Investigation. The key driver of this system is leptin, a hormone secreted by fat cells. When humans (and rodents) lose 10% or more of their body weight, leptin falls rapidly and sets off a cascade of physiological changes that act to put weight back on."

      I'm not letting myself off the hook for my gain, but knowing this helps me understand why it seemed SO much harder getting back on track. I kept wracking my brain, trying to figure it out. It just didn't make sense. Now it does!

      Thanks so much for sharing, Gman -- great article!
      F/37/5'7" ~ Started: 8/1/06.
      Links: My Journal~ On "loose" skin

      sigpic

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: How do some people keep weight off?

        Great article, G-man!

        I'd insert the fighting emoticons, too.

        I was just talking to my DH last night about my goal weight and how I just want to be comfortable in my own skin at 165 and not have to work so hard to get to the weight that the doctors, charts, and books say I should be at (155)...because it would be to difficult to keep it at that weight.

        Gosh, that was a big admission to myself knowing what I'll have to do even when I reach 165. I'll have to work hard at staying there or below.

        I think just reminding myself every day that getting there is a battle, but being at a healthy weight is worth that battle.
        ~Lisa~
        F, 37, 5' 7", Medium Frame
        I've been to the edge of 240something and I ain't going back!
        CW: 188
        GW: 165
        1st Goal: 180
        2nd Goal: 175
        3rd Goal: 170
        Final Goal: 165
        "You get what you put into it..."

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: How do some people keep weight off?

          You are all welcome! I just thought this was right on and answers some mysteries about sustaining our success.
          This leptin thing is like hey "Who Moved My Cheese"!!
          I think the main point is the one about renewal. We need to set new goals. Walk 2 miles after doing 1 mile for a while. Run in a 10K after doing 5Ks. Climb the next 10,0000-ft. mountain. Mix is up and make it interesting so we keep going.
          One of the exciting things I think about is doing new activities that I have not yet done. Beyond all the work outs, this could include dealing with some of the basic reasons why we gained a lot of weight in the first place. We're older, wiser and stronger now to take this on when ready. And then move on to more renewal!
          240/231/198
          6'1"
          01/09/10
          Goal 1: 229
          Goal 2: 219
          Goal 3: 209
          Goal 4: 198
          Goal 5: Maintain @195-198

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: How do some people keep weight off?

            Awesome Post GMAN

            Wow! This is really an eye opener. All those years of yo-yo dieting and feeling like I was weak. Its good to know its a physiological component. At least now I know 'the enemy'.

            Thanks again for sharing!
            ----------------

            You make the choice to be who you were yesterday, with each new dawn we are given the opportunity to recreate ourselves.
            Started 28 July 2008
            F/39/5'7"
            SW 244/ CW 234/ GW155
            Starting BMI-38.2

            Restarted March 23 2009






            Comment


            • #7
              Re: How do some people keep weight off?

              Good article, gman ... thanx for the link. It sure doesn't get any easier once you hit the "dark side" of 50. Sugar is my "trigger food," so I'm hoping that once I reach my goal, I'll treat sugar as what it is to my body: Poison. I start on it and just can't stop! What a junkie :P Right now it holds no appeal at all; hope that keeps up!

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: How do some people keep weight off?

                HEY NOW fldoodette! I am turning 50 this year and am planning on a bright future!!
                1/2 way to 100 ! You are right about things getting less easy though - all the more reason to bring it on.

                Razzle39 I was thinking exactly what you were re: Know Your Enemy.
                240/231/198
                6'1"
                01/09/10
                Goal 1: 229
                Goal 2: 219
                Goal 3: 209
                Goal 4: 198
                Goal 5: Maintain @195-198

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: How do some people keep weight off?

                  This is so depressing... after fighting to lose 140lbs, only to gain back 40 in the past year, it's quite obvious that it's going to be an uphill battle for me... of course if I had kept working out and eating right, I'm sure it wouldn't be so horrific. Maybe I should be thinking about 100 mile runs by the time I hit 40 in order to keep the weight off.
                  27/f/5'10"
                  HW - 312, LW - 172 (Jul 2007), CW - 205, GW - 160

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: How do some people keep weight off?

                    Lyssie you've made great progress and at 26 knowing what you know you are way ahead of most people, so you have a big advantage in taming the tiger.
                    240/231/198
                    6'1"
                    01/09/10
                    Goal 1: 229
                    Goal 2: 219
                    Goal 3: 209
                    Goal 4: 198
                    Goal 5: Maintain @195-198

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: How do some people keep weight off?

                      Hi All,
                      I just found this article. I hesitated in posting it because the doctor who wrote it is an author of Lo Carb diet books so he has a vested interest.
                      If he is correct than Leptin may only be devastating to us Lo-carb people when we introduce Trygliceride provoking carbs. As soon as we cheat however and we have a raise in Tryglycerides than all havoc breaks out!
                      At least thats how I am reading it. Let me know what you think.

                      Health & Nutrition by Michael R. Eades, M.D. » Leptin, low-carb and hunger
                      ----------------

                      You make the choice to be who you were yesterday, with each new dawn we are given the opportunity to recreate ourselves.
                      Started 28 July 2008
                      F/39/5'7"
                      SW 244/ CW 234/ GW155
                      Starting BMI-38.2

                      Restarted March 23 2009






                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: How do some people keep weight off?

                        Great article Razzle39. Or should I call you Agent Razzle39? You've put a very bright spot light on this leptin character...seriously!

                        Here is a link on the tri-stuff:

                        Triglycerides: Why do they matter? - MayoClinic.com

                        And, here is a link I posted in ADBB recently that may be on the same point, "taming the tiger," though your article is much more in-depth. Thank you!!



                        Who is in favor of a new challenge? "N number of days kicking Leptin's arse?" which means cheat free....
                        240/231/198
                        6'1"
                        01/09/10
                        Goal 1: 229
                        Goal 2: 219
                        Goal 3: 209
                        Goal 4: 198
                        Goal 5: Maintain @195-198

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: How do some people keep weight off?

                          "Its not what you eat its whats eating you."

                          Interesting comment by one reader of this column in today's Yahoo front page:

                          4 Reasons We Regain Weight on Yahoo! Health


                          4 Reasons We Regain Weight Posted Wed, Sep 03, 2008, 12:55 pm PDT


                          83% of users found this article helpful.
                          Post a Comment View All 95 Comments
                          Losing weight and changing one’s eating and fitness lifestyle is hard work -- that’s a given -- but maintaining a weight loss is even harder. There's no longer the challenge of juggling numbers or the reward of seeing them drop, and keeping up the enthusiasm and dedication necessary to stay at the weight that you worked hard to get to doesn't come easy.
                          The National Weight Registry surveys and collects data from “regular people” who have managed to maintain a weight loss of 30 pounds or more for at least one year. Based on the data that they have received from more than 7,000 people, there are certain things that almost all successful “losers” seem to do to maintain their newer and slimmer figures:
                          • Participate in aerobic exercise for least one hour or more each day
                          • Focus on watching calories
                          • Keep food logs
                          • Choose healthier and lower fat foods

                          I never thought I would be (nor did I want to be) one of the many people who have lost a significant amount of weight only to gain a lot of it back. But, it is high time to admit that I have gained 15 pounds since the start of the year.
                          Yes, that’s right. I just admitted that on the world wide web, for all to see, that I have gained back 15 of the 50 pounds I worked so hard to lose.
                          So what happened?
                          Well, I stopped doing what successful losers do to maintain a weight loss. I stopped exercising as much as I was. I started to think, “a little bit of this and a little bit of that won’t hurt.” And I stopped writing in my food log, because if I don’t write it down, it doesn’t count, right?
                          I lost track of calories and stopped being accountable to myself. I started to neglect myself. I stopped preparing meals and snacks ahead of time. I stopped getting up early to get to the gym because I was busy and tired. My will power began to crumble, eating special treats everyday rather than on special occasions only.
                          I have been watching my weight creep up these past 8 months, and instead of getting back on the beam right away, it has become a bit of a vicious cycle.
                          You become depressed because you know better. You get angry with yourself because you can’t believe you let yourself go. You get paranoid about what people will think—especially since you write this blog about maintaining your weight. You get emotional because getting dressed puts you in a bad mood; pants you looked awesome in a few months ago, no longer fit.
                          The last thing you want to do when you feel so bad about yourself is get up early the next day, go to the gym and forego the ice cream as the last days of summer arrive. I have been struggling with not throwing in the towel, not caving in and eating everything in sight, only to see the scale not budge or go up!
                          Now that that skeleton is out of the closet, what do I do?
                          Well I pick up the tools that have been so freely given to me by the successful losers that have come before me; the same tools that have helped me to be successful in the past, and I apply them again (food logs, calorie watching, exercising more). And this time I try not to think that I am ever cured from my tendency to overeat and under exercise.
                          In admitting my weight gain I end it there. I hold myself accountable because no one can do this for me, but me.
                          __________________________________________________ ______________________
                          For more real life weight-loss wisdom from Micaela, visit Capessa.

                          Copyright © 2007 Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
                          240/231/198
                          6'1"
                          01/09/10
                          Goal 1: 229
                          Goal 2: 219
                          Goal 3: 209
                          Goal 4: 198
                          Goal 5: Maintain @195-198

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: How do some people keep weight off?

                            Lyssie said:
                            This is so depressing... after fighting to lose 140lbs, only to gain back 40 in the past year, it's quite obvious that it's going to be an uphill battle for me... of course if I had kept working out and eating right, I'm sure it wouldn't be so horrific. Maybe I should be thinking about 100 mile runs by the time I hit 40 in order to keep the weight off.

                            Check out this solution!



                            I Put in 5 Miles at the Office



                            By MANDY KATZ
                            Published: September 16, 2008


                            TERRI KRIVOSHA, a partner at a Minneapolis law firm, logs three miles each workday on a treadmill without leaving her desk. She finds it easier to exercise while she types than to attend aerobics classes at the crack of dawn.....
                            240/231/198
                            6'1"
                            01/09/10
                            Goal 1: 229
                            Goal 2: 219
                            Goal 3: 209
                            Goal 4: 198
                            Goal 5: Maintain @195-198

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: How do some people keep weight off?

                              Thanks GMAN, I love the articles. You now me...its all about the research!
                              ----------------

                              You make the choice to be who you were yesterday, with each new dawn we are given the opportunity to recreate ourselves.
                              Started 28 July 2008
                              F/39/5'7"
                              SW 244/ CW 234/ GW155
                              Starting BMI-38.2

                              Restarted March 23 2009






                              Comment

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