Do Genetics, and other limiting factors play a role in Fat Loss?
Short answer. Absolutely. We’ve seen women weighing 115 pounds eat upwards of 3000 calories a day and struggle to gain weight. We’ve also seen women weighing 200+ pounds eat 1800 calories/day struggle to lose weight. Genetics, along with other limiting factors such as hormone imbalances, medical issues and the like, mean that this journey of fat loss will not be fair. Let’s just get that out of the way.
But if you let this unfair predisposed genetic disadvantage dictate your willingness to better yourself, you’re doing yourself a catastrophic disservice.
Here me out. I’ve been doing CrossFit for 10+ years and nothing burns me more than when some new girl walks into the gym, CrossFits for a few months and lifts twice as much as me. My gut reaction is to wallow in self pity, throw in the towel and say things like, “This isn’t working for me!” But to say that is a lie. I am getting stronger. I’m just admittedly not as strong as her. I am not genetically predisposed to be as strong as her. I may never be.
The truth is we have an opportunity to make a significant impact on our health regardless of our limiting factors. Our choices, habits, and behaviors always allow us an ability to improve. Always. Your journey might not be as fast or dramatic as hers, but just because it’s harder for you doesn’t give you a pass.
In fact overtime, your ability to follow through despite limiting factors actually gives you an advantage. Why? Because you learn grit. Because you learn to persevere despite adversity. And those are skills that are going to benefit you long after you fit in that smaller pant size.
Regardless of your genetic make up and limiting factors, Genetics don’t determine your outcome. You have much more control over your fat loss journey than your genetics. Your choices, habits and behaviors have the biggest impact.
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