Imagine you’ve been trying to shed a few pounds, sticking to a healthy diet, but the scale just won’t budge. According to some fresh research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Ben Gurion University in Israel, your genes might be playing a bigger role than you thought. This study found that about one-third of people who followed a healthy diet didn’t lose weight, although they did see other health perks, like better cholesterol and lower levels of the hunger hormone leptin.
The study, which was published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, looked at 761 people in Israel who had abdominal obesity. They followed specific healthy diets—like low-fat, low-carb, Mediterranean, and green-Mediterranean—for 18 to 24 months. Surprisingly, while 36% of participants achieved significant weight loss, and another 36% saw moderate weight loss, 28% didn’t lose any weight or even gained some.
Interestingly, those who didn’t lose weight, mostly older folks and women, still experienced health benefits similar to those who did shed pounds. According to Anat Yaskolka Meir, the lead author of the study, “We have been conditioned to equate weight loss with health, and weight-loss-resistant individuals are often labeled as failures.” She emphasizes that these individuals can still improve their metabolism and lower their risk for long-term diseases.
The research did have a few limitations. Most of the participants were men, and the researchers pointed out that future studies should include more women to get a broader understanding. Dr. Philip Rabito, an endocrinologist in New York City, told Fox News Digital that the study’s findings align with what he sees in his own practice. He believes genetic factors play a significant role in how individuals lose weight.
Rabito noted, “Some patients lose more weight than others despite similar efforts, caloric restriction, and lifestyle interventions.” He suggests that with the right guidance, dedication, and adherence to a lifestyle program, anyone should be able to see some weight loss. Even without significant weight loss, the health improvements from participating in a program can be quite rewarding.
For those who struggle with traditional weight-loss programs, prescription medications might be an option. Manoel Galvao Neto, director of bariatric research at Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, agrees that DNA can impact weight loss. He mentioned that genetic factors affect metabolism, appetite, and even how the body responds to diet and exercise.
Emerging research is paving the way for more personalized obesity treatments. Neto pointed out that understanding your genetic makeup can help tailor a weight-loss plan that works best for you. Even if weight loss is minimal, participating in a program can still lead to better health outcomes.
Neto encourages people trying to lose weight to “understand yourself” and seek professional help for the best results. It’s about finding what works for you and sticking with it. As more information becomes available, the approach to managing obesity is becoming more personalized and effective.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.