The Fat Trap

Just in time for New Year’s and New Year’s resolutions, Tara Parker-Pope has written a sobering article about weight and weight loss. In "The Fat Trap," published in the January 1 issue of The New York Times Magazine, she describes research on the difficulty of maintaining weight loss. Some key points: the body can go into “defense” mode to defend a higher weight, which is why lost weight can be so hard to maintain. In addition, weight loss is much more than simply a matter of willpower -- people lose and gain weight differently, based on body type, genetics and biology.

From the viewpoint of an individual wanting to lose weight, the article is discouraging, because it details how much work it takes to maintain significant weight loss (including daily exercise and careful monitoring of diet). The article, however, also strongly makes the case that being overweight or failing to lose weight is not a personal failing, but a result of a complex interplay of factors, some of which are beyond a person’s control. As Parker-Pope writes:

It is true that people who are overweight, including myself, get that way because they eat too many calories relative to what their bodies need. But a number of biological and genetic factors can play a role in determining exactly how much food is too much for any given individual. Clearly, weight loss is an intense struggle, one in which we are not fighting simply hunger or cravings for sweets, but our own bodies.

In my practice, I have found that many of my clients with weight-related issues.have harshly judged themselves for their inability to lose weight, or have been harshly judged by others. We are far too comfortable criticizing others’ weight or making value judgments about it. I hope this article contributes to more acceptance of different weights and sizes.