Mainly due to the following three reasons:
1. Genetics – Our DNA determines a lot about our body stature and composition. Although we may have the same goal as someone else, there is no control over our predetermined genetics. Therefore, create goals to embrace, and work with, your body as it will be the most beneficial in the long run. Forming goals that are not based on your natural body shape and growth pattern is ultimately setting you up for failure.
2. Body stature/composition – We have some control over our body composition. Although genetics are not within our control, we can support our body composition through physical activity, food habits, and other lifestyle choices. Encouraging daily activity, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol and smoking, are common ways to support your body composition and health. However, individualized energy and nutrition needs remain different due to differences in age, gender, health history, stress factors, etc.
Hence, what works for some, might not work for others.
3. Set-point Theory – One explanation of this concept is the Set-Point Theory. I initially learned about this in 2018 during eating disorder recovery. Every individual has their own specific weight or body composition ("set-point") where their body is the most comfortable and continues to satisfy all its needs. Weight equilibrium if you will.
The best way to explain is through a made-up story:
1. Two women currently weigh the exact same on January 1st 2022. The year before, on June 1st of 2021,
Woman 1: began restricting carbohydrates (~8 months of restriction).
Woman 2: did not alter her eating habits at all (>8 months of adequate nutrients).
2. Although the women weighed the same on January 1st of 2022, they likely have different set-point weights (average weights where their body is the most comfortable). Why?
Woman 1: was restricting her food intake to obtain this weight; whereas,
Woman 2: was eating freely to obtain this weight.
With this being said, work with your natural body, rather than dieting or restricting, to see long-term, individualized success. Diet culture will continue to encourage new diets, but remember that it is simultaneously informing people to work against their individualized needs.
Stay Tuned!
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