NAASO (Obesity Society) Annual Meeting

The NAASO (Obesity Society of America) recently had their annual meeting where they discuss the newest findings in the field of obesity and weight loss research. The scientific community continues to do diligent research on the causes and treatments of obesity and are starting to acknowledge that it's not just a matter of "diet and exercise" (as most of us with obesity already realize!).

It is for some a relief to know that there is proof that we as fat people are not just lazy or lack discipline... there are definable metabolic differences and challenges that complicate extreme weight loss. I'd have to say that most obese, morbidly obese or super morbidly obese people I know are really sick and tired of people who've lose 20 lbs telling them that they can do it too. Having a healthy metabolism that you've "overcome" by overeating to add on 20 lbs is VERY DIFFERENT from having an extremely efficient metabolism that uses every calorie against you with the effect of adding on and maintaining 100, 200, 300 or more pounds. That type of metabolism is almost impossible to overcome. Adding to the challenge is the fact that added weight makes exercise difficult or even extremely painful for those who suffer from obesity.

Some of the highlights of the recent Obesity Society annual meeting are listed in the article "Hot Off the Press from Boston" by Dr. Neiman (who happens to be from Calgary!), some of the findings include:

Calories and metabolism both matter. For example, when a man loses 20 lbs (down from 200 lb to 180 lb), he needs to consume 300 calories per day less than a man who always stays at 180 lbs.

Although not noted in this brief summary article, I heard this doctor speaking on the radio (click here to hear the interview yourself) and he noted that this 300 calorie reduction means FOR LIFE. That's right, the 200lb man who lost 20 lbs will ALWAYS have to eat 300 calories a day less than the man who started out at 180 lbs.

So my question is, what on earth does that mean for those of us who have to lose 100+ lbs? Does that mean that if I get down to 150 lbs I'll always have to eat 1200 calories a day less than someone who started out at 150 lbs? Won't that mean that I'll have to eat like 1000 calories max. to stay at the 150 lbs... well, I suppose that's exactly what it means if I get weight loss surgery I likely won't even be eating that much.

Also from the same article:

There is a trend among many experts to admit that lifestyle changes are ideal. But in reality, the majority of patients regain weight. Therefore, the role of medications and bariatric surgery will increase in the future, especially for the morbidly obese and for adolescents.

It is refreshing to see that obesity science is now beginning to confirm and explain what many people suffering from obesity already know: Something is wrong - more than just our diet and our amount of movement. My husband and I eat the same food, in fact, I eat less usually and he's tall, slender and athletic looking. I'm short, fat and look anything BUT athletic! LOL

I hope that additional research can find a "cure" for the metabolic problems of obesity. But the bottom line is this... if a metabolically correct person can gain weight in our society (which accounts for all those 30 lb overweight types) then even those with surgically corrective surgery for weight loss are still going to have to make permanent and radical changes in their lives to maximize the benefit of these risky procedures.